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
Richard then had 13 in the second half of a 77-75 come-from-behind win highlighted by Clayton’s clutch play in the final minutes. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025 The singer added glittery platform sandals and carried a British flag clutch purse. Catherine Santino, People.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
Style it with block heels and a straw clutch for a wedding or keep it simple with strappy sandals and a sunhat on a day out. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025 Cousins approached the fan while clutching his private parts—a gesture seemingly meant to intimidate, prompting the heckler to raise both middle fingers at the Alabama native. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • The case gripped Australia The bizarre and tragic case has lingered in the minds of Australians and has provoked fervor among the public and media.
    Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • When your hands are covered in flour, holding a paintbrush, or gripping a climbing wall, your phone is simply unavailable.
    Marina Cooley, CNBC, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • The central bank will hold four rate-setting meetings over the remainder of 2025 – and the first will happen on July 29 and 30.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

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