Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

clench

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of clench

the act or manner of holding

  • fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle
Synonyms of clench

clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold, hold
Words Related to clench

anchorage, leverage, purchase

grab, seizure

foothold, footing, toehold

clinch, embrace, hug
Near Antonyms of clench

release, relinquishment

clench

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of clench

to have or keep in oneʼs hands

  • clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune
Synonyms of clench

cling (to), clutch, grip, hold
Words Related to clench

bear, carry

bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, grab, grapple, hook, land, latch (on or onto), nab, nail, seize, snap (up), snare, snatch, take, trap

feel, finger, handle, paw

clasp, embrace, grasp, hug

cradle
Phrases Synonymous with clench

hang on to, hold on to
Near Antonyms of clench

drop, give, hand, unclasp, unhand

cede, deliver, give up, hand out, hand over, release, relinquish, render, turn over, yield

Learn More about clench

  1. See words that rhyme with clench Dictionary: Definition of clench Spanish Central: Translation of clench Nglish: Translation of clench for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clench for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up clench? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

henchman

a trusted follower

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games