as in grip
the act or manner of holding
fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clench
Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Captain Virgil van Dijk bent his knees and clenched his fists.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
This movement relaxes the jaw and keeps you from clenching or grinding.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
My anxiety climbed, heart racing and head pounding as my jaw clenched tightly.
—Elizabeth Price, Vox, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clench
Verb
At one point, a drone show lit up the night sky, with the formations showing a series of images: Mr. Duterte’s face, his trademark clenched fist, and then his signature.
—Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Captain Virgil van Dijk bent his knees and clenched his fists.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
This movement relaxes the jaw and keeps you from clenching or grinding.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
My anxiety climbed, heart racing and head pounding as my jaw clenched tightly.
—Elizabeth Price, Vox, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
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The long, ergonomic handle is designed for adult hands, ensuring a comfortable grip during feeding sessions.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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To properly prepare for a rain walk, experts recommend: Wearing shoes with a good grip.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Verb
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This being Washington, the decorations featured an eagle in flight, but, unlike the eagle on the Executive Branch club’s insignia, this one clutched photos of Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, dressed in tuxedos.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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The oldest bag, a velvet clutch with a floral pattern, dates back to the end of the 1920s.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Noun
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With firmer dates in hand, Hyland and others will have a better grasp on whether studying colonial khipus can help crack Inca ones.—
Sam Kean,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2025
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The title was within its grasp but there was no room to slip up – only a win would guarantee the club the Scudetto.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Manufacturing has been on the decline in the United States, with only 8% of American workers holding jobs in that sector as of earlier this year compared to roughly 26% in 1970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, And a lot has changed since 1970.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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Other Watch Auctions As a point of reference, the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, held May 10 and 11 in Switzerland, was a distinguished event with 188 lots sold, totaling $52,196,552.—
Nancy Olson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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