clench 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clench

2 of 2

verb

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
Verb
Hank Willis Thomas’ (b. 1976) monumental bronze raised arm and clenched fist doesn’t require 500 words of wall text to interpret. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Not a market clenched in anticipation of a significant air pocket in growth. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2025 Try box breathing—inhaling on a four-count, holding for four, exhaling on a four-count, holding for four—while clenching and releasing your fists. Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 21 May 2025 The Najaf player stretched out his arms, fists still clenched, and lifted his head to look into the captain’s eyes. Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • Amazon $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Great for upgrading from beginner pickleball paddles, the SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 features a fiberglass face, balanced weight, and comfy grip—now half off for Prime Day.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Panicked passengers can be seen in the footage clutching onto their masks as a flight attendant makes an announcement.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Myung-gi turns to look at Gi-hun, who clutches the baby a little closer to his chest.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Two years after Nvidia Corp. made history by becoming the first chipmaker to achieve a $1 trillion market capitalization, an even more remarkable milestone is within its grasp: becoming the first company to reach $4 trillion.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • This process empowers clients to create financial plans with a complete grasp of the concept.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • But what if this isn’t a fight to win, but a lesson in learning how to hold your center amidst chaos?
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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