CLUTCHING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

clutching

verb

present participle of clutch

as in clenching

to have or keep in one's hands he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them

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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 clutching Seconds later, the same officer — now with his gun holstered — is captured on the camera crouching and clutching his left shoulder in pain. —

Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 11 June 2026 Erica Sims, an attendee from Missouri, told me, clutching her tote as though that right was tucked inside it. —

Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 Bounding out of the room, Shaboozey returns clutching his Grammy trophy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. —

Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026 Eriksen, who five years ago suffered a cardiac arrest on the field at Euro 2020, was seen clutching his chest before falling to the floor during the Denmark’s international friendly. —

Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 Moments later, Hadgkiss was emerging onto the street clutching a slash wound on his neck and desperate for help. —

Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026 Caiceo rolled around, clutching his leg in pain, as staff members ran up to tend to him. —

Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 Marie-Paule had straight blond hair, cut in a bob with a clip on one side, and was clutching a miniature schoolbag. —

Annie Ernaux, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Martin, clutching a gun in his left hand, pulled the weapon behind his left leg. —

Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutching

Verb

While not everyone experiences such dramatic effects, experts say stress, clenching and even past trauma can contribute to TMJ issues.

— Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
The Beloved, his first film in Competition at Cannes, is an incredible achievement that builds on all those films and leaves them standing in the dust, hitting all the same tense throat-clenching beats but somehow transcending genre altogether.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026