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
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Recent Examples of clutches
Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The females lay their eggs in June and July in clutches of about 20 eggs that hatch in August, researchers said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
To be unable to keep him from Liverpool’s clutches three years later was a stark illustration of 21st-century football reality.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Wednesday first tries to save Pugsley from Isaac’s clutches by positioning Thing out of sight, ready to shoot.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Target just dropped new bags for fall, and there are plenty to peruse, including crossbodies, clutches, and totes.
—Melody Kazel, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Would Chance ever escape the clutches of this public cruelty?
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
The fluid recommended for most clutches is actually brake fluid.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Rounding out the looks are relaxed outerwear and accessories such as oversized clutches, sleek bowling bags, and luxe, shearling hats.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Weike Wang, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The females lay their eggs in June and July in clutches of about 20 eggs that hatch in August, researchers said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
To be unable to keep him from Liverpool’s clutches three years later was a stark illustration of 21st-century football reality.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Wednesday first tries to save Pugsley from Isaac’s clutches by positioning Thing out of sight, ready to shoot.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Target just dropped new bags for fall, and there are plenty to peruse, including crossbodies, clutches, and totes.
—Melody Kazel, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Would Chance ever escape the clutches of this public cruelty?
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
The fluid recommended for most clutches is actually brake fluid.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Rounding out the looks are relaxed outerwear and accessories such as oversized clutches, sleek bowling bags, and luxe, shearling hats.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The older woman clutches her top towel closer to her.
—Weike Wang, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutches
Verb
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Tom Hammock, along with key cast and crew, delves into the intricacies of designing the terror that grips this unsuspecting community.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The film grips the attention from the opening frames – grainy archive footage of a man wearing a gas mask who drives a pickup truck down a road bordered by white cylindrical storage containers.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As Solène leaves, Rainbeau clenches her fists, talking herself out of hitting Solène and remembering the way disputes got resolved in her family.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, holds less than 900 fans at the league’s Wayfair Arena home near Miami.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Zhmo Canvas Tote Bag Finding a work bag that checks every box—fits your laptop, holds your lunch and water bottle, keeps things organized, and still looks stylish—is no small feat.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But the feeling when a film grabs hold remains the same—by a story, a character, a voice—that, never goes out of season.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
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The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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