Synonyms of clench

clench 1 of 2

noun

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

• grip
• grasp
• hold
• clasp
• grapple
• handhold
• handgrip
• leverage
• grab
• purchase
• anchorage
• hug
• seizure
• foothold
• embrace
• clinch
• footing
• toehold

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• relinquishment

clench

2 of 2

verb

ˈklench 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grip
• clutch
• hold
• grab
• carry
• hold on to
• cling (to)
• take
• cradle
• snatch
• hang on to
• seize
• grasp
• hug
• feel
• handle
• grapple
• capture
• clasp
• trap
• catch
• hook
• finger
• snap (up)
• nail
• land
• embrace
• snare
• nab
• paw
• bag
• latch (on or onto)
• bear
• corral
• collar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• give
• hand
• drop
• unclasp
• unhand
• relinquish
• render
• release
• deliver
• yield
• give up
• turn over
• hand over
• cede
• hand out

Example Sentences

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

This can lead women to clench their jaws or pelvic muscles, or grind their teeth. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Years ago, after Jake died, my instinct as a medical student was anger — clenching my teeth and jabbing a pen into my notepad, making a line of inky holes along the margin. — Caroline Cherston, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026