clutch 1 of 3

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

clutch

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clutch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How do grab and snatch relate to one another, in the sense of clutch?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can grasp be used instead of clutch?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

In what contexts can seize take the place of clutch?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How are the words snatch and seize related as synonyms of clutch?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

Where would take be a reasonable alternative to clutch?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 clutch
Noun
Amazon’s advertising unit on Wednesday introduced its roster of presenting sponsors for the opening season of Prime Video’s NBA coverage, a clutch of top-tier sports spenders that includes the likes of AT&T, Mercedes-Benz and State Farm. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The look was topped off with colorful beaded necklaces, maroon shoes and a black clutch handbag. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
Women clutched children in their arms, weeping uncontrollably. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025 No sense rehashing the substance of Collier’s broadside, although much of the subsequent pearl clutching was a bit precious in light of Bryce Harper’s midsummer activism. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • Even before the shutdown gripped Washington, there were mounting Democratic complaints that Trump would undermine any government funding deals struck by Congress with his use of pocket rescissions, aimed at canceling spending unilaterally at the end of a fiscal year.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
  • It’s made from durable, attractive stainless steel and has ergonomic knobs that are easy to grip.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Seldom without a piece of grass or straw clenched between his teeth.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • To estimate 10 degrees in the sky, use the width of your clenched first held at arm's length.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But as Muttaqi went about a public relations blitz in India and held talks with Indian officials, deadly clashes erupted along the Durand Line border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lyon has earned the net Alex Lyon was playing his fourth game in seven days and still held steady for most of the night.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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