clutch 1 of 3

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

clutch

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clutch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How do grab and snatch relate to one another, in the sense of clutch?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can grasp be used instead of clutch?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

In what contexts can seize take the place of clutch?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How are the words snatch and seize related as synonyms of clutch?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

Where would take be a reasonable alternative to clutch?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 clutch
Noun
The singer and actress paired the look with invisible heels and a silver clutch. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Its wider portfolio also includes the retailer Intermix plus a clutch of hosiery and innerwear players: Dim, Intermix, Playtex, Wonderbra, Bellinda and La Senza. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The soft modal fabric and antimicrobial bamboo lining wick away moisture fast—clutch for warm days or intense workouts. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 The restorers dabbed lightly at the vast blue background that surrounds a lone Christ, his head bent and his hands clutched into fists, a fitting image of meditation for the convent’s former chapter house, where monks once reached the order’s main decisions. Clara Vannucci, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • Biden was also seen being escorted to his seat by his wife and a priest, gripping onto both and moving cautiously.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And the man’s mother in tears recalling her son, a Boston police officer whose death is at the heart of a trial gripping the nation.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This movement relaxes the jaw and keeps you from clenching or grinding.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
  • My anxiety climbed, heart racing and head pounding as my jaw clenched tightly.
    Elizabeth Price, Vox, 22 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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