CLAM UP Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

clam up

verb

Definition of clam up

as in to hush

to stop talking the little girl clammed up when the doctor came into the room

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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 clam up Everyone in the theater clammed up, as if embarrassed to have endorsed Max with laughter. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Your language model would clam up from time to time to conserve its resources. — Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026 Less sweat-trapping than many synthetic jackets, the Oreus kept me from clamming up while ski-touring in five-degree temps and dissipated sweat quickly when worn after strenuous climbs. — Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 But when co-host Maria McErlane looked for details, Norton clammed up. — Joseph Wilkinson, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clam up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clam up

Verb

But within the cozy world of footballing governance, any dissent was mostly hushed—except in Norway.

— Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
That emphasis on feeling rather than just doing is what sets house hushing apart.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026

Definition of hush

Verb

With some funds set to dry up within weeks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pressed lawmakers to address the increasingly urgent shortfall.

— Noah Robertson, Washington Post, 21 July 2026
With the cap rising and free agency drying up, teams had to get more creative this summer — and that helped grease the wheels to more player movement.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of dry up

Verb

Layoffs in the gaming industry have seen almost 60,000 roles cut worldwide since 2022; multiple studios and publishers have shut up shop for good.

— David Prosser, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Doing it with 10 men against Mexico or in the closing stages against Norway is one thing; trying to shut up shop against a team with Argentina’s firepower for more than half an hour was an act of self sabotage.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of shut up

Browse Nearby Words

clams up

clam up

clan

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“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of clam up

verb

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