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
Relevance
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
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
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
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
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
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
The velvet coating does a better job of gripping slippery fabrics and delicate garments than plastic or metal alternatives.
Verb
-
The surprise delivery of the banner came in response to the national team’s gratitude after holding several practices at KU’s Rock Chalk Park during its June 8-30 stay.
-
Burial postponed due to war Burials are meant to be conducted within a day of death in Islam, but because of the risks of holding a big funeral during the war it was postponed until after last month's interim truce deal was agreed.
Verb
-
Americans are grabbing their passports and fleeing the country in hopes of leaving the nation’s problems behind.
-
Swanson argues those behind-the-scenes improvements have done more to modernize logistics than many of the industry’s headline-grabbing automation projects.
Cite this Entry
“Clutching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutching. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
