clutches 1 of 3

plural of clutch

clutches

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of clutch

clutches

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of clutch

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 clutches
Noun
Whether in roomy totes or chic evening clutches, the color brought an elegant warmth to any moment. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 July 2026 The brand has also slowly expanded its offering to include leather totes, clutches and ties, as well as unisex jewelry. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 20 July 2026 Cyclops Odysseus’s wittiest ploy in Homer’s tale concerns him and his men’s escape from the clutches of Polyphemus, the giant cyclops (and son of Poseidon). Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026 Determined to extricate his family from their clutches, Eddie tries to play the gangsters at their own game. Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 July 2026 Between cleverly convertible shoulder bags and elegant clutches, there’s a pick for every outfit and occasion this summer. Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 In the film, which was based on a Pulitzer Prize nominated memoir, Betty escapes the clutches of her barbaric Iranian husband (played by Alfred Molina) and courageously smuggles herself and her daughter out of Iran. Literary Hub, 29 June 2026 The patented system includes a rotary power source (typically an internal combustion engine), a generator-motor, a differential connected to the drive wheels, and multiple shafts and clutches that control how power flows through the vehicle. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026 Toph escapes the clutches of her mother — who poisoned and kidnapped her — by revealing her earthbending powers, breaking out of the metal cage to rejoin Team Avatar. Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Verb
For years, Guerin has held onto his veteran core like a grandmother clutches her third-generation pearls. Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 July 2026 In the midst of handing the job over to his son, even as Diego is making a speech about water supplies, hygiene and education, Don Alejandro snatches it back to cheers, clutches his heart and dies. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 In it, Marilyn clutches the pillow toward her, revealing her disarming fragility. Michael Soncin, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 Here, a guest clutches hers as the finishing touch to her breezy button-down, maxi skirt, and heeled flip-flops. Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 June 2026 Lemann, like the talkative older ladies of her youth, clutches the motifs of her past like talismans. Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 Martin Short clutches his laptop walking onto set for Jimmy Kimmel Live! Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026 Mispelys Salazar clutches a stack of papers close to her chest as bristling wind gusts threaten to send them flying into the air. Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025 On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutches
Noun
  • Scattered throughout are 17 suites unfolding across the hillside in clusters of ancient stone farmhouses.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Not all of these clusters have been linked to the same source, however.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Brazilians lead the way in seven different age groups, from Philippe Coutinho at 16 all the way to Neymar aged 31.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Washington — Senate Democrats demanded answers Wednesday about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises during the aircraft carrier's record-setting deployment.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Companies must ask what successors aren't ready for and what's being done *now* to prepare them, ensuring a strong leadership bench and avoiding costly crises.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit argued that the new rules incorrectly preempt states’ powers to regulate how the interest generated by mortgage escrow accounts is handled.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Madness, and all thanks to the powers of drunken room service.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • New Orleans is facing an unusual weather combination as Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the northern Gulf Coast while dangerous heat grips the region.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026
  • Your makeup will only look as good as your base, and the hydrating formula leaves a beautiful, glowy canvas that grips onto foundation and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Older age statements, barrel-strength bottlings, non-chill filtration, single barrels, micro-batches and distinctive packaging led to sustained success in export markets like Japan and Europe.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Election workers moved additional batches to a second high-speed scanner, but election officials say that system couldn't accept two batches with identical batch names.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • So on Friday, at UCLA’s second fall practice, the Bruins shifted around personnel and paired various offensive groupings.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Scale and proportion also play a major role in helping groupings look balanced.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • By 2004, Michael, Magic and Bird had officially hung up their sneakers, and the NBA was failing during its critical crossroads.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Hilton argued that California is at a crossroads, pointing to residents and businesses moving out of the state.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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