1
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit
a clutch of medals adorned the general's chest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in batch
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit
a clutch of people traveling together
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clutch
Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s a distinct satisfaction in revving the engine to redline, pressing the clutch, and snapping the shifter into the next gear.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
In another Instagram post on her account on July 6, Kylie could be seen clutching a White Birkin Faubourg House Alligator Bag, which can fetch anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000, according to Sotheby's.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clutch
Noun
One of the newest members of the Toronto Blue Jays, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, delivered a clutch hit to tie the game against the Houston Astros that Toronto would go on to win.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s a distinct satisfaction in revving the engine to redline, pressing the clutch, and snapping the shifter into the next gear.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
With the Emmy engraving completed, Einbender held the trophy in one hand, clutched the hem of her one-shoulder Louis Vuitton gown and her heels with the other, and ambled into the party.
—USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
In another Instagram post on her account on July 6, Kylie could be seen clutching a White Birkin Faubourg House Alligator Bag, which can fetch anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000, according to Sotheby's.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
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The latest such exchange – from a reader in Australia, too far for a pint – related to the looming fiscal catastrophe that uniquely grips most of the major G7 economies and China.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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But some areas of the nation are still gripped by unseasonable heat and drought.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And then there’s Eros, also known as Cupid, who flies away with his little buttocks clenched at the least hint of a rational process.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
9 Sep. 2025
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Yang Guoliang said, his hands clenched in fists.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lift the wiper arms gently and make sure they're held firmly in place.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
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And the timing of Williams’ recent improvement may represent a good sign for the Yankees, who are still holding onto a glimmer of hope of winning the AL East while attempting to secure the first wild-card spot and homefield advantage.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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