UNCLENCH Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

unclench

verb

Definition of unclench

as in to unfurl

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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 unclench The tempo remains steady, but takes on a softer, more contemplative posture, as if urging you to unclench your jaw. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026 Your stiff limbs begin to unclench, as if death is slowly losing its hold on you. — Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025 If that doesn’t work, unclench your eyes, re-close them in the regular way, and then go back to sleep at a normal speed. — Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 For those who are vaccinated, relatively healthy, financially stable and with access to decent health care, there’s reason to unclench your jaw. — Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 Without such attention to Indian-Pakistani relations, India's democracy will not prosper and Pakistan's generals will never unclench their fists. — Christophe Jaffrelot, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2011

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclench

Verb

Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi’s romance is unfurling across the globe.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
The investigative reporter who previously reignited worries worldwide about nuclear war has this time unfurled a terrifyingly plausible scenario in which weaponized pathogens quickly wipe out humanity.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfurl

Verb

Earlier that week, the lithe 28-year-old walked the film festival’s storied red carpet wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood tuxedo and, of course, a shirt unbuttoned almost to the navel.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
The cropped top can be worn buttoned up for a sleek silhouette on a dinner date or unbuttoned over a tank for a museum-hopping day in Rome.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026

Definition of unbutton

Verb

Under pressure, the module could unzip and fail completely.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
The robot could adapt the size of its legs either by zipping for height or unzipping for lowering down, which could be beneficial for the robot to manage exploring uneven surfaces such as forest areas or canyons.

— Shirl Leigh May 22, New Atlas, 22 May 2026

Definition of unzip

Verb

Transforming the cabin from sitting to sleeping is a group effort that includes unpacking the ladder (usually stowed beneath the seats with the luggage), unfastening the upper bunks, and making the beds.

— Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
After the pink fabric is unfastened from styrofoam beams floating 200 feet out from each island, the sections are towed to shore and rolled up in bundles, Morgan said.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of unfasten

Verb

With a direct flight from Atlanta to Argyle International Airport, five hours later, a diverse world unfolded.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
While this unfolds, Rebecca is trying to carve out some quality time with Matthijs via a quickie in her office that Ted has the bad timing to interrupt.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfold

Verb

Relatedly, restitution may begin to address the pain that has become ubiquitous, an opportunity to unlatch the tentacle grips of oppression, which can be loosened through collective organizing, with something for everyone and not just a few.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Throughout the day, anyone can unlatch the box, pick up a trinket and hopefully leave one behind to share.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 May 2026

Definition of unlatch

Browse Nearby Words

uncleared

unclench

unclenched

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“Unclench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unclench. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unclench

verb

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