1
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit
a clutch of medals adorned the general's chest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in batch
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit
a clutch of people traveling together
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clutch
Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
That set the stage for Brock Stewart, who fell behind in the count against Dansby Swanson, then battled back for a clutch strikeout to put an end to the scoring threat.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
To complete her outfit, Kylie clutched a White Birkin Faubourg House Alligator Bag, which can fetch anywhere from $200K to upwards of $300K, according to Sotheby's.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clutch
Noun
Powell, conversely, was fifth in the league in clutch shooting percentage among players who attempted at least 35 clutch shots.
—Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
That set the stage for Brock Stewart, who fell behind in the count against Dansby Swanson, then battled back for a clutch strikeout to put an end to the scoring threat.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
Verb
When Max Muncy first went down on Wednesday night, clutching his left knee and writhing in pain after a collision with Chicago White Sox baserunner Michael A. Taylor on a steal attempt at third base, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes couldn’t help but let his mind go to a dark place.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
To complete her outfit, Kylie clutched a White Birkin Faubourg House Alligator Bag, which can fetch anywhere from $200K to upwards of $300K, according to Sotheby's.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
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June’s inflation data came in broadly lower than expected, marking a sharp turnaround from the stagflation concerns that gripped the market in the first quarter.—
Benzinga,
Freep.com,
19 July 2025
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Reviewers love the non-slip foam material and beveled edges that make gripping easy even with sweaty hands.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack Twist is Ennis’ foil in every way: loose where Ennis is clenched, hungry where Ennis is stoic.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
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As detailed in the documentary, many passengers popped Imodium and clenched their cheeks, hoping to escape the ship without having to grab a bag, but four days is a long time.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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Dreck is intended to highlight that rules are not alone in the regulatory universe, and urge that policymakers recognize and be held to account for the laundering of regulation by non-rule means to influence outcomes or inflict obligations, whether intentional or not.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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