clench 1 of 2

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

clench

2 of 2

verb

Examples 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 clench
Verb
Doesn’t Greer already seem lighter, freer, and less clenched? Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 Examples include: Stress: People under a lot of stress may be more likely to clench or grind their teeth. Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 21 Oct. 2024 The most important step is to identify and correct oral behaviors that can contribute to burning mouth syndrome, like clenching or grinding your jaw. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Try to get back to sleep faster than that, by clenching your eyes tightly shut and going back to sleep in a hurry. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clench 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
  • If the skier falls and lets go of either of the poles, a sensor in the hand grip of that pole triggers the motors to stop.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Leigh touches on something unresolved in her nature and in the state of the world, especially now when so many people easily lose grip.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • At 3:08 of the second period, Tampa Bay’s Conor Geekie slammed into Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro with a knee-on-knee hit that led to Fabbro’s writhing on the ice, clutching his right knee.
    Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Lansbury became a household name thanks to her portrayal of an unusual gumshoe, often in perilous situations but always polite and clutching a sensible handbag.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Seabright assures us that Grace has a solid grasp of her finances and explains that there is an economic logic to this.
    Christian Stadler, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The data once again shows how housing was more easily in the grasp of middle-class Austin earners decades ago.
    Sami Sparber, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Polls show if an election were held today, Pierre Poilievre’s opposition Conservative Party would earn a decisive victory.
    Lex Harvey, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Newsweek has contacted Schumer's office via email for clarification on when the vote will be held.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Some Broad Ripple Starbucks lovers woke up to a surprise Thursday morning while stopping to grab a cup of Joe.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Rather than going cold turkey on nightly dinner dates, try scaling back to just weekends, then using Thursday nights to grab drinks with your college pals.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near clench

Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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