1
as in clusters
a number of things considered as a unit
a clutch of medals adorned the general's chest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in groups
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit
a clutch of people traveling together
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crises
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in powers
the right or means to command or control others
a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in grips
to have or keep in one's hands
he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
In a famous fossil bed in Brazil, researchers have discovered a new treasure of three egg clutches.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes for quickest entry.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The Sport Differential of 2008 used hydraulic clutches and gears to push torque to the outside wheel under load.
—New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026
Years or even decades can pass between successful clutches of eggs.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Years or even decades can pass between successful clutches of eggs.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Bulgari pushed its definition of precious by highlighting precious clutches.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
Indeed, Ram turns out to be a kind, decent fellow with his own troubles trying to save his business from the clutches of his step-family.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
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
The older woman clutches her top towel closer to her.
—Weike Wang, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
Paramount Theatre, Waterloo Park and Stubb's BBQ operate a clear bag policy, but permit small clutches.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
In a famous fossil bed in Brazil, researchers have discovered a new treasure of three egg clutches.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes for quickest entry.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The Sport Differential of 2008 used hydraulic clutches and gears to push torque to the outside wheel under load.
—New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026
Years or even decades can pass between successful clutches of eggs.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Years or even decades can pass between successful clutches of eggs.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Bulgari pushed its definition of precious by highlighting precious clutches.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
Indeed, Ram turns out to be a kind, decent fellow with his own troubles trying to save his business from the clutches of his step-family.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
The older woman clutches her top towel closer to her.
—Weike Wang, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutches
Verb
-
The race begins with a rigorous climb up a mountain on skis fitted with a special fabric skin that grips the snow as the athletes sprint uphill.—
Rob Marciano,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The community held a candlelight vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie's safe return as the baffling case grips the nation.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch.—
Mustafa Fattah,
NBC news,
24 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The hydrogel acts like a containment layer that holds bacteria close to the electrode while allowing liquids to flow through.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
-
For girls, Cheryl Miller still holds the most points scored at 41 when Riverside Poly won Division I in 1982 at the Oakland Coliseum over Los Gatos 77-44.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the kitchen, Wells grabs a round of dough resting in semolina flour.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Inspired, Larry grabs a random woman and kisses her on the mouth.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
