as in fastens
to put securely in place or in a desired position
clamped the headphones to her ears and began to listen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 clamps
The Pocket Grip also features a central hex drive that clamps a standard hex bit.
—
Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This is an adjustable graphics-card brace, and its screw tightens the part that clamps it to the slide.
—PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Here, Lloyd clamps a muzzle — part fetish club, part Bane — over Lucky’s mouth while Pozzo pushes him in a wheelchair (the actor, Michael Patrick Thornton, uses a chair).
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This is an adjustable graphics-card brace, and its screw tightens the part that clamps it to the slide.
—PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Here, Lloyd clamps a muzzle — part fetish club, part Bane — over Lucky’s mouth while Pozzo pushes him in a wheelchair (the actor, Michael Patrick Thornton, uses a chair).
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clamps
Verb
-
Aquazzura’s signature swirling ankle strap curves upward from the sides of the shoe and fastens the 105mm heel with a slim buckle.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
That’s because quantum computers based on the theory could one day break the cryptography that secures our Internet and our financial system.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
-
If Paxton secures the nomination, it will likely be driven by the unwavering support of the GOP’s grassroots base, the same coalition that helped revive his political standing after he was impeached and later acquitted on corruption charges by the Texas legislature three years ago.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Piecemeal progress As Scott hitches his legacy to trying to eradicate the thousands of vacant homes that have blighted the city for decades, the contrast between the two neighborhoods may be the biggest hurdle.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
13 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Estrada points to designs like Piegatto’s Toko Tables, where solid hardwood volumes are stacked in a way that feels almost gravity-defying—rounded edges, subtle curves, and a more sculptural presence that anchors the room without feeling heavy.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clamps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clamps. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
