clutch 1 of 3

clutch

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noun (2)

clutch

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clutch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How do grab and snatch relate to one another, in the sense of clutch?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can grasp be used instead of clutch?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

In what contexts can seize take the place of clutch?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How are the words snatch and seize related as synonyms of clutch?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

Where would take be a reasonable alternative to clutch?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

Examples of clutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But Lindor came up clutch once again to bring home all four of the Mets’ runs with one swing of the bat, before Edwin Diaz closed out the win in the ninth. Jamie Barton, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024 Parker accessorized with a silver clutch and bracelet that amped up the ensemble even further. Catherine Santino, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 Shifting one’s own gears with clutch assistance has become a bit of a rarity, manufacturers are favoring uninspiring all-wheel drive over honest-to-goodness rear-wheel drive, and curb weights just keep on climbing. Peter Nelson, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 The games were marked by questionable coaching decisions, clutch performances and some unique circumstances. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clutch 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clutch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near clutch

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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