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
Such desperate attempts at grandiosity evoke empty vanity, clutching at physical monuments to prove a greatness that history has not yet conferred.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
The actress posed in a field of flowers while clutching her bare chest.
—Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Bednar could then be seen bending over and clutching the side of his head.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
They're dressed differently each year — alternately wearing a Christmas sweater or clutching a Georgia peach ice cream sandwich — and officials haven't confirmed or denied rumors this might be their last year on the shelves.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, turbulence is getting worse as global weather patterns change, which can leave even confident passengers clutching their armrests from time to time.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Colman came on, clutching her Oscar.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
Dozens of women in hijabs and men in clutching paper cups stood inside Turath Coffee, 9916 College Blvd.
—Jenna Thompson
april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
After a January morning skate at the San Jose Sharks practice facility, dozens of bustling young fans — clutching hockey cards, action shots, team jerseys and hats — crowded near an exit, hoping for a brief interaction.
—Dan Robson, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
The actress posed in a field of flowers while clutching her bare chest.
—Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Bednar could then be seen bending over and clutching the side of his head.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
They're dressed differently each year — alternately wearing a Christmas sweater or clutching a Georgia peach ice cream sandwich — and officials haven't confirmed or denied rumors this might be their last year on the shelves.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, turbulence is getting worse as global weather patterns change, which can leave even confident passengers clutching their armrests from time to time.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Colman came on, clutching her Oscar.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
Dozens of women in hijabs and men in clutching paper cups stood inside Turath Coffee, 9916 College Blvd.
—Jenna Thompson
april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
After a January morning skate at the San Jose Sharks practice facility, dozens of bustling young fans — clutching hockey cards, action shots, team jerseys and hats — crowded near an exit, hoping for a brief interaction.
—Dan Robson, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutching
Verb
-
Protect against teeth grinding, clenching and enamel damage with custom dental solutions from ClearClub.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Melvin Council stood amid a crowd of his Kansas teammates, clenching a black belt in his fist.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At the end of the arm is a gripper that can apply up to 170 newtons (38 pound-force) of gripping force.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Gang violence gripping Port-au-Prince disrupts aid delivery and goods transportation, leaving families in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country with impossible survival choices as the economy contracts for the seventh year.—
Evens Sanon,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Simply holding the mandolin had transported me back fifty years.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Min Aung Hlaing, who had attained the rank of senior general, last week relinquished his post of commander-in-chief because the constitution prohibits the president from simultaneously holding the top military position.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He is then seen slowly approaching the victim, checking his surroundings, and removing his shoes before grabbing her from behind.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Reaves, meanwhile, spent much of the first quarter grabbing at his back.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clutching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutching. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
