CLAM UP Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

clam up

verb

Definition of clam up

as in to hush

to stop talking the little girl clammed up when the doctor came into the room

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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 clam up Anyone asked by local or national media over the past few months if they’d been invited to the nuptials clammed up quickly. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 The atmosphere had changed—security kept an eye out for media to turn away at the entrance, and golfers clammed up when asked what was going on at the club. — Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Less sweat-trapping than many synthetic jackets, the Oreus kept me from clamming up while ski-touring in five-degree temps and dissipated sweat quickly when worn after strenuous climbs. — Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 The Arrested Development actor clammed up when Smartless cohost Jason Bateman brought up Arnett's ex-wife and their bathroom habits. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clam up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clam up

Verb

The brothers bonded over the game, but in his work, Grant so frequently provided a microphone for the voices a powerful organization would rather hush.

— Sam McDowell July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Behind the station doors are 150 polished European-style rooms, hushed corridors and a few magnificent surprises.

— David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of hush

Verb

His foray into fiction coincided with the writers’ strike, drying up all his income and future projects.

— Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Inside the front office, there is some sentiment internally to remaining patient and waiting to see if the market dries up on some players.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of dry up

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clams up

clam up

clan

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“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of clam up

verb

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