clench 1 of 2

noun

Definition of clenchnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clench

2 of 2

verb

ˈklench How to pronounce clench (audio)
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

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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 clench
Noun
Brazilian democracy has spent the past three years in a near-permanent state of tension – a full-body clench against an ex-president who refused to accept defeat. — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 The Cleveland Guardians beat the Detroit Tigers, 5-4, on Thursday night in Game 4 of the ALDS, tying the series and setting up a clench-your-teeth, hold-your-breath series finale. — Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
Janet held the phone away from her ear, clenching her teeth against Maggie’s booming voice. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 Clad in the world champion’s rainbows, Evenepoel clenched both his fists, beamed a toothy grin, and hugged his soigneur. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
  1. grip
  2. clutch
  3. grasp
  4. hold
  5. grab
Noun
  • After an introductory conversation, Nomo showed Bednar his grip for the pitch.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • Proportion play is also part of the equation, as Gap experiments with Mini sizes meant to be clutched in the palm of your hand or slung over your torso.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Sweeney, 28, opted for a lace midi with a square neckline and flouncy sleeves, accessorizing with a black envelope clutch, a gold Cartier watch, and one of the jeweler’s iconic Love bangles.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of clutch
Noun
  • United’s head coach had a face like thunder post-match, and understandably so after his team allowed two points to slip through their grasp in the dying seconds.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In the same way that the ball bounced off Darren Morris’ fingers and disappeared into the crowded Oregon bench, another chance to defeat a Power Four opponent slipped agonizingly through Boise State’s grasp on Saturday afternoon.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of grasp
Verb
  • Remember that your shotgun cannot be capable of holding more than two cartridges in the magazine, and three total.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Mike Jacobs brought 14 Mercer players to Toledo and held a fourth-quarter lead but lost 30-20 at Michigan State.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Running back If you’re not used to seeing the running back position here, grab a ticket and join the line.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Just like the rest of us that day, most of the dead were just going about such ordinary tasks as showing up for work, grabbing a cup of coffee and traveling on a commercial jetliner, or just trying to lend a hand to people in trouble.
    — Mike Kelly, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of grab

Browse Nearby Words

clemently
clench
clenched
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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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