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
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Recent Examples of clutching
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
That sort of attention to detail is what separates a Universal or Disney coaster from so much of the industry — even if riders will be clutching their restraints too hard to notice the discrepancies in each car’s engine roar.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
In his weirdest picture—the late, baroque, campy Allegory of Faith—a bug-eyed female figure is shown clutching her chest, one foot balanced perilously on a globe, while a snake gushing blood from its jaws gyrates in the foreground.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The video shows the motionless suspect in a gray hoodie lying facedown on a chair or sofa while still clutching the knife.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2026
Walking into a recording studio, Swift was seen clutching a cognac shoulder bag, and this leather version from Quince comes in the same color and has a similar silhouette.
—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Two people were clutching at each other, grappling chest to chest.
—
Bob Brody,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
For the first time in a long time the Sweden striker, clutching the man-of-the-match trophy after his team’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia, could reflect on a job well done.
—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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
That sort of attention to detail is what separates a Universal or Disney coaster from so much of the industry — even if riders will be clutching their restraints too hard to notice the discrepancies in each car’s engine roar.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
In his weirdest picture—the late, baroque, campy Allegory of Faith—a bug-eyed female figure is shown clutching her chest, one foot balanced perilously on a globe, while a snake gushing blood from its jaws gyrates in the foreground.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The video shows the motionless suspect in a gray hoodie lying facedown on a chair or sofa while still clutching the knife.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2026
Walking into a recording studio, Swift was seen clutching a cognac shoulder bag, and this leather version from Quince comes in the same color and has a similar silhouette.
—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Two people were clutching at each other, grappling chest to chest.
—
Bob Brody,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
For the first time in a long time the Sweden striker, clutching the man-of-the-match trophy after his team’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia, could reflect on a job well done.
—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutching
Verb
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While not everyone experiences such dramatic effects, experts say stress, clenching and even past trauma can contribute to TMJ issues.
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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.
Verb
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The current leadership uncertainty gripping the ruling Labour Party is arguably just the latest iteration of the turmoil that Brexit inserted into the heart of British politics.
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The velvet coating does a better job of gripping slippery fabrics and delicate garments than plastic or metal alternatives.
Verb
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After holding the majors’ worst record for much of the current season, the Angels are tied for last in the AL standings at 34-48 heading into their game against the Athletics on Friday night at Angel Stadium.
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According to Atwal, the Gartner analyst, the rising costs could lead to consumers holding onto their devices longer, leading to fundamental changes to upgrade cycles for products such as smartphones.
Verb
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The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
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According to Sangrio, the video appears to show Matthew Cox, O'Toole's then-attendant, striking the 60-year-old with a broom, punching him and grabbing him by the neck.
Cite this Entry
“Clutching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutching. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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