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

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 clench
Verb
After walking out of a prison near Seoul, Yoon waved, clenched his fists and bowed deeply to his supporters who were shouting his name and waving South Korean and U.S. flags. arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025 Yoon was seen on Saturday waving his hand, clenching his fists and bowing to his supporters who were shouting his name and waving South Korean and U.S. national flags. Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025 When the ball found the bottom of the cup at 18, Aberg clenched his fist, punched the air, hugged his caddie and smiled. Kirk Kenney, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2025 Emery clenched his fists and pointed in the different directions Diego Carlos could have passed. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
  • The now ruling Cambodian People’s Party, in power for over four decades, has justified its grip on the country through the trauma of the genocide.
    Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Systems built on power, fear, and control are reacting because their grip is beginning to loosen.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As members of the group told Francis about the plight of LGBTQ+ people in the church, including some suicide attempts, Francis clutched the cross around his neck and a look of anguish flashed across his face, DeBernardo says.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
  • After sustaining the injury, Tatum remained in the game but was clearly uncomfortable, wincing and clutching at his wrist.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Twice, the Foxes had fourth spot in their grasp, in 2019-20 and 2020-21, only to throw it away.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Even without a cure, Turner says his grasp on life is stronger than ever.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At the lowest income levels, only about 13% of households held retirement accounts in 2022, according to the federal Survey of Consumer Finances.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, a total of five firms hold significant shares in the defense market, each with annual revenue that exceeds $10 billion.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Metcalf grabbed Anthony and again told him to get from under the team’s tent, then Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away, the witness said.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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