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
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 But so has Dunaway and far too much of Supergirl’s attention is diverted to rescuing her young man from Dunaway’s evil clutches. Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 But according to recent research, some of those dads have resorted to eating their clutches, possibly in response to environmental stressors such as water pollution or vegetation loss, as Scientific American reported in 2023. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 21 June 2026 The volunteers find clutches of eggs laid at night in late summer, protecting them with wire mesh. Jane Arraf, NPR, 21 June 2026 Each silhouette is thoughtfully designed with unique features tailored to beauty and travel needs like separate packing compartments to keep products organized, palette storage for makeup, brush holders to protect bristles, travel mirrors, and removable pouches that double as chic clutches. ABC News, 16 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
  • Stake your cherry tomatoes early to avoid damaging stems or fruits and ensure proper support for heavy clusters.
    Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
  • Investigations to identify potential clusters and sources of illness are ongoing.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • This systematic approach, including proactive diaspora talent identification and a uniform coaching philosophy across all age groups, has yielded consistent results, including a U20 World Cup win.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • With both nights devolving into chaos, Brooks and the other guys decide to call it quits on this gender experiment and plan to infiltrate the girls’ night and merge groups.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • These educational crises—combined with evolutions in technology and culture—have rendered the experience of reading fiction, let alone poetry, a dispensable element of human life.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
  • Bolstered by poetic visuals and stunning performances from the young cast, Thorne’s psychological approach offers profound insight into the unconscious impulses that underlie our current political crises.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Canberra and Wellington are two of the South Pacific's biggest powers and have grown anxious about Beijing's attempts to vie for sway in the region.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • Rather than drawing regional powers into its orbit, the test will likely push them to deepen defense ties with one another to counter China's growing military might, according to analysts.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • This Laura Geller hydrating primer creates a silky-smooth canvas that grips your foundation for all-day wear.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
  • Together with slight pressure from your foot, the claw head and pedal penetrates soil, grips the weed, and pulls it straight out of the ground from its roots.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Reports have claimed that the first batches of these bullets have been delivered to Russian troops.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • The core loop is to analyze inputs, document, plan, iterate in small batches with dev testing, update documentation and control for technical debt.
    Oleg Lola, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • These groupings leave out some players under contract in Sean Kuraly, Alex Steeves and Mikey Eyssimont.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Inventories in Cushing, Oklahoma, the pipeline crossroads of America, remain below operational stress levels.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • In India, a Monitor writer’s awe-inspiring train ride through the Himalayas reveals a region at a political and social crossroads.
    Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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