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
The mood was such that the slightest hint of dissent—implied in my corner of the atrium by a clutch of young bureaucrats huddled around neon poster boards—was enough to draw the suspicion of a police officer. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025 Massive Vehicular Joy Selecting first gear and becoming acquainted with the right ratio of clutch to gas pedal was, in a word, easy. Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
The 993 has a responsive pedal box whose throttle, brake, and clutch work in perfect harmony with responsive steering and the car’s relatively light weight. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 July 2025 Despite the malaise and (literal) pearl clutching in the luxury-goods market, timepieces have proved a bit stickier; Chase Travel reports year-over-year increases in its American customers spending on high-end watches in France (+13%) and in Switzerland (+18%) between 2023 and 2024. Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • The result is a gripping vérité portrait of citizens under siege by a tyrannical leader stripping away their freedoms.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The narrative explores the devastating impact of family secrets and fractured loyalties, while building toward a gripping conclusion that ties together the personal and political threads—yet leaves room for lingering questions.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Our heroes clench their squared jaws with determination while the villains chew the scenery.
    Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The fists were loosely clenched, but the fingers moved.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • He is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Regardless of what the future holds, Roman Anthony has set himself and his family up for life, and the Red Sox have locked in yet another piece of their future at a reasonable rate.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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