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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clench
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
Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Knives are clutched, teeth are clenched, and a desperate Russian ex-pat yells loud enough for their long-dead ancestors to hear all the way back in the motherland.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Tuanzebe—born in Bunia, raised in Rochdale—is sprinting toward the corner flag, fists clenched at his waist, triumphant.
—Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Knives are clutched, teeth are clenched, and a desperate Russian ex-pat yells loud enough for their long-dead ancestors to hear all the way back in the motherland.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
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India is already in the grip of a severe heatwave, and nearly 60% of its farming relies on rainfall.—
Sri Jegarajah,Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
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The three Republicans vying to break Colorado Democrats’ grip on the governor’s mansion finally shared a stage Tuesday night for an hour that was light on policy but was full of questions and answers that likely have never been heard on a debate stage before.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
3 June 2026
Verb
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More than 2,000 shoppers have given this straw crossbody — which can also be carried as a wristlet or clutch — a five-star rating.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Teoscar Hernandez clutched at his left hamstring after running out a ground ball in the second inning.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Consumers without a grasp of the basics may struggle to distinguish good advice from bad.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
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The ball rolled away from his grasp and Duran was safe at first as Texas had two runners on base against Royals starter Seth Lugo.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Verb
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The championship match has been held west of the Mississippi River — in San Diego, Kansas City and San Jose — for the past three years.—
Bailey Johnson,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
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Which is to say that Jerome both assembles the materials for great drama and holds itself back from igniting them.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Stop here for suggestions on the best nearby dog-friendly parks for your pup, to pick up breakfast vouchers, and to grab a list of participating local businesses that offer discounts to Hotel Lucia guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Rollins sneakily grabbed the title and put it near his abdomen.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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