as in grip
the act or manner of holding
fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clench
Tira Urquhart, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
Because of gyroscopic technology, a user can, for example, turn a lamp on and off by clenching their teeth, or adjust the TV volume by tilting their head.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Clooney is appropriately emotionally clenched, conveying the anguish of a man coming to terms with the strange reprieve he has been given by the universe.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
Certainly any commuter clenching his or her teeth traveling on Highway 101 through Silicon Valley or agonizing along the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles won’t complain the state has too few occupants.
—Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clench 
Verb
My therapist explained that Buccal facials improve blood circulation, reduce tension in the jaw (especially helpful for those who clench or grind their teeth), and help with lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and give the face a more defined look.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
Because of gyroscopic technology, a user can, for example, turn a lamp on and off by clenching their teeth, or adjust the TV volume by tilting their head.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Clooney is appropriately emotionally clenched, conveying the anguish of a man coming to terms with the strange reprieve he has been given by the universe.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
Certainly any commuter clenching his or her teeth traveling on Highway 101 through Silicon Valley or agonizing along the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles won’t complain the state has too few occupants.
—Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
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But breaking the grip that your phone has on you isn’t impossible.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Its textured bottom grips the floor, preventing the mat from slipping or sliding, while its sloped edge is designed to reduce users’ risk of tripping over the mat.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The young and the old arrived clutching white candles, ready to light them, along with flowers and handwritten notes paying tribute to those killed in Tuesday’s massacre.—
Sarah Dean,
CNN,
6 Feb. 2025
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The bottom line: Across the world, Birds Gang International will be congregating for a chance to see the Eagles clutch a second Lombardi Trophy.—
Isaac Avilucea,
Axios,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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And now, a second ever Super Bowl ring is within the Eagles’ grasp with Sirianni looking to complete a dramatic turnaround in fortunes.—
Ben Morse,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
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However, the Chiefs are looking for a three-peat and history is within their grasp.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Now, the two senators want to hold the president to his pledge.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
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Also on Sunday, there were emotional scenes in Bangkok airport, as five Thai workers who were released after being held hostage for over a year in Gaza arrived back home.—
Robbie Griffiths,
NPR,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
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Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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