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 Diplo, the globally famous disc jockey, has become accustomed to performing in front of audiences wearing glitzy outfits and clutching alcoholic beverages in the dark. — Alex Harring,brandon Gomez, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 Today, the magazines are clutching to the cliff edge like Mufasa. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026 The model was escorted off the show’s set while clutching her face. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026 Those who consistently fall short are replaced by some of the dozens of applicants clutching résumés who queue up at the factory gate each morning. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 Robotic claws whispered along branching tracks, clutching boxy carriers beneath them like prizes in an arcade game. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Wearing impractical stilettos and clutching a massive Stanley cup, Trina is introduced to her new pupils. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 While out and about, Kardashian was spotted clutching a Hermès Mini Kelly handbag. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026 Trump is shown clutching a golf club in one hand and the scales of justice in the other. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutching
  1. clenching
  2. gripping
  3. holding
  4. grabbing
Verb
  • The result can slim the lower face and ease clenching, grinding and TMJ pain.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The third sits nearer the ear and detects chewing and teeth clenching.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of clenching
Verb
  • The 24-ounce rib eye emerged the favorite, its generous marbling gripping the rum’s sweetness and the heady spices.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The European Commission Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood condemned the violence gripping Albania.
    — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of gripping
Verb
  • After he has been removed, Serena attempts to rally everyone into holding their heads high, despite the mishaps.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Once that's done, Hyper itself requires holding the mode button down for a few seconds, which is probably wise.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of holding
Verb
  • Ben and Victor are suspicious of Kriste for immediately grabbing her chalice.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • After a bloody skirmish with the orcs and wild men, an imposing figure arrives on horseback, grabbing one of the warriors and hurling him at Galadriel’s approaching horse.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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