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
Jewel-case clutches, basket bags, vanity cases and new cylindrical bag silhouettes were displayed alongside kitten heels, pumps and sandals designed for a stroll along the Mediterranean. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Ellis provided her chic evening clutches to roughly a dozen stars, stylish women that included Allison Janney, Jean Smart, Olivia Munn, Carrie Coon and Awkwafina. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026 But her time with the thoughtful gift would be short-lived, as another fan intercepted the throw and grabbed the towel from her clutches. — Alex Gonzalez, VIBE.com, 18 Sep. 2026 This includes high rates of females not laying clutches, low provisioning rates, emaciated chicks with stunted development and other factors. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 She’s unknowingly fallen into the clutches of a demented, powerless warlock (McLeod) bent on stealing her power for his own. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026 From feathery clutches to frilly brooches, fashion week guests are using the playful texture to give their looks an unexpected pop. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026 Smith, too, struggled to escape the clutches of a Burnley defence that saw Hjalmar Ekdal replace the tiring Igor midway through the second half. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Researchers have warned for years that rogue AI models could one day become powerful enough to escape the clutches of their human overlords. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
Anna practically clutches her pearls when asked to help the homeless. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutches
Noun
  • With its octagonal clusters of flats arranged around a central water tower that looks like a fist raised against the sky, the neighborhood doesn’t have much spirit of community.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Up next is a course in laser communication, a core capability that the Project Suncatcher satellites — which will operate in clusters of dozens of spacecraft — will need to possess.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For big families or groups, there’s also a four-bedroom private villa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The National Business Aviation Association and other aviation groups argue tax breaks help support jobs while spending millions lobbying to preserve their favorable treatment.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When the previous coalition came to power in 2025, Bolojan was sworn in with the aim of ending one of Romania’s worst political crises in its post-Communist history and reducing a massive budget deficit.
    — Stephen McGrath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The report concludes that resilience must become a core strategic priority rather than a reactive response to crises.
    — Mitch New, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And now, as the American Revolution unfolded, the contest of violence and control was no longer between France and England and other European powers.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But suffice it to say that there’s a lot of powers that influence what decision a CEO makes and what statement a CEO makes.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Mercyenforcer grips the handle of his light in his bare hand to look into my other eye.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • This model generally involves United States defense companies creating small batches of exquisite equipment that is operated with proprietary, siloed software.
    — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Working in batches and adding more oil between batches as needed, cook meatballs in a single layer, turning halfway through, until browned on 2 sides, about 3 minutes per batch.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In public health, the head of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention stressed the need for the continent to manufacture its own vaccines, and to do so in regional groupings.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • My groupings range from sterling silver flatware to matchbooks, but my most prized grouping is my trove of fine art.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Obsession follows a socially awkward young man named Bear, who finds himself at a crossroads when his wish to win the heart of his longtime crush takes on frighteningly possessive consequences.
    — Mariam Bagdady, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This year’s event arrives amid surging hopes but lingering anxieties for an African industry at a crossroads.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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