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

His workouts, jaw-clenching pull-ups and all, regularly appear on social media. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

The White House Key Facts A rendering of the passport shared by the White House on Friday shows Trump presumably leaning over the Resolute Desk, fists clenched, alongside his signature and text from the Declaration of Independence. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026