LATCHES Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

latches

verb

present tense third-person singular of latch

as in clenches

to close or secure (something, such as a door) with a latch latch the gate

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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 latches Cici in the Sky also recommends Sabre’s portable door lock, which latches onto the strike plate to reinforce the existing lock. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 In the footage, the larger male bear latches onto the smaller bear with its mouth, sinking its teeth into the animal, repeatedly ripping at the female bear's fur and skin. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 Bad things happen when an AI chatbot latches onto one of your neuroses. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026 As the Ivorian latches onto the through pass, Ryan Longman appears into shot, finishing first-time from a cutback to put the away side into the lead. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026 My brain latches onto the process of production so well. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 The robotic submarine latches onto the hull of friendly ships or submarines, conserving energy while traveling hundreds or thousands of miles to distant mission areas. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 Typically said when someone copies a trend, latches onto a friend's obsession, or just teases in a playful way. — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025 That against-the-odds spirit is what the documentary crew latches onto as the thread tying their story together. — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for latches

Verb

As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch.

— Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025

Definition of clenches

Verb

And a pair of overalls really ties together any outfit within seconds — whether layered over a tank top or tee for summer or a sweater for fall.

— Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
The best player of the previous decade, the link that ties Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, has not taken an All-Star at-bat this decade.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of ties

Verb

If its price retreats from these incredible heights by before SpaceX clinches the deal, that number will rise.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026
The venue, home to the NBA's New York Knicks, could also be the site of an impromptu championship celebration if the team clinches the NBA Finals.

— Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 13 June 2026

Definition of clinches

Verb

This episode, Zack wakes up and bolts upright with the bandage still on his head from getting clobbered with a sign on his birthday and can’t remember what happened the night before.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 July 2026
When spinach bolts, the plant focuses its energy on producing flowers and seeds rather than leaves.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026