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
  • In fact, of the two viral clusters that were in both San Diego and Tijuana, one grew, while the other one stayed stable.
    Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026
  • However, federal officials said there are multiple clusters of the ailment active in the United States.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Wednesday night, about 75 agencies from police to community groups, the mayor's office and district attorney's office came together for the One Downtown Task Force's public safety working session.
    Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Armed groups, known as bandits in Nigeria, regularly carry out raids and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest and north-central parts of the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The effort has included resilience drills testing how local officials would keep the government running during cascading crises, from earthquakes to a Chinese invasion.
    Reuters, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The same principle applies to mental health, humanitarian crises and social fragmentation.
    Ricardo Bellino, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The bankruptcy courts and bankruptcy trustees have very strong powers to claw assets back into the bankruptcy estate.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • That’s the first sign that in this universe, Bert really is a wizard with magical powers.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 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
  • Working in batches if needed, place sliders in air-fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
  • An undercover officer had bought three batches of seven grams of psilocybin mushrooms and two-gram marijuana vapes from Michael Antonio Kuester between April and June.
    Julia Coin Updated July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Scale and proportion also play a major role in helping groupings look balanced.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026
  • When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Rapid technology evolution is unavoidable, and every day will bring a new tool and another crossroads.
    Dani Mariano, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • One year and one week later, the Cincinnati Reds selected Gausman off waivers as his career reached a crossroads.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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