clench 1 of 2

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

clench

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clench
Verb
Hank Willis Thomas’ (b. 1976) monumental bronze raised arm and clenched fist doesn’t require 500 words of wall text to interpret. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Not a market clenched in anticipation of a significant air pocket in growth. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2025 Try box breathing—inhaling on a four-count, holding for four, exhaling on a four-count, holding for four—while clenching and releasing your fists. Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 21 May 2025 The Najaf player stretched out his arms, fists still clenched, and lifted his head to look into the captain’s eyes. Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Panicked passengers can be seen in the footage clutching onto their masks as a flight attendant makes an announcement.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Myung-gi turns to look at Gi-hun, who clutches the baby a little closer to his chest.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • As the communist leader Robert Mugabe is elected, his declarations empower Africans to take up residence on the farmland, and her imperialist grasp slips, the beginning of the end for this family here.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
  • The country greatly appreciated Jóhannesson’s grasp of the context and his insightful and entertaining commentary.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Premieres will be held Thursday, January 22, to Tuesday, January 27, where audiences will see films, episodic projects, and more for the first time, with additional showings throughout the entire Festival.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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