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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 clutching Alexander, who signed a two-way deal with Utah last week, made contact with the Bulls' Caleb Wilson while driving toward the basket and, after tossing the ball toward the hoop, went behind the basket clutching his side or abdomen. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 The post also included a snap of the rescuing officer clutching the cat — who appeared much calmer, caught on camera mid-yawn. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 The small, seemingly insignificant experience of controlling an automobile by clutching and levering its gears turned out to be deeply meaningful. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 The 29-year-old had been clutching at a spot near his right oblique and even doubled over, clearly struggling, after forcing deuce. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Certain photos of those rehearsal dinner attendees showed guests clutching black velvet boxes with an etching of two Ts and a heart. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International. — Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 The hosts discuss Sorsby as a product of both his own mistakes and opportunistic pearl clutching among college sports leaders. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 25 June 2026 Scotland’s Tartan Army, thousands strong in kilts and clutching replicas of the gold World Cup Trophy, marched into Miami ahead of Wednesday evening’s World Cup game against Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. — Howard Cohen june 24, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutching
  1. clenching
  2. gripping
  3. holding
  4. grabbing
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
Definition of clenching
Verb
  • The body politic wages war against itself in Shakespeare’s tragedy, and the all-out battle makes for a gripping spectacle in Griffith Park.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Flipping through a binder in one hand and gripping her laptop in the other, Washington simultaneously got down to business for leg day.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of gripping
Verb
  • In true British fashion, Bellingham was holding a cup of barbecue beans in the photo.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • Heading into the final weekend of the tournament, Messi led the Golden Boot race over talented players far younger, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe at eight goals, but holding the edge with four assists to three.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of holding
Verb
  • Permethrin is a spray that works on clothing and gear to keep ticks from grabbing you, but do not put it directly on your skin!
    — Amanda Roome, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • As recently as 2021, he was accused of grabbing the mother of one of his children and throwing her to the ground.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of grabbing

Browse Nearby Words

clutches
clutching
clutter
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Cite this Entry

“Clutching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutching. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of clutching for Spanish Speakers

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