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
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clench
Julia Vargas Jones,
CNN Money,
25 Nov. 2025
The Cleveland Guardians beat the Detroit Tigers, 5-4, on Thursday night in Game 4 of the ALDS, tying the series and setting up a clench-your-teeth, hold-your-breath series finale.
—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Danielle Allentuck,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
An accompanying photograph shows Glimcher holding the viewer’s gaze, his right hand outstretched on the desk, clenched in a tight fist.
—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clench
Noun
Brazilian democracy has spent the past three years in a near-permanent state of tension – a full-body clench against an ex-president who refused to accept defeat.
—
Julia Vargas Jones,
CNN Money,
25 Nov. 2025
The Cleveland Guardians beat the Detroit Tigers, 5-4, on Thursday night in Game 4 of the ALDS, tying the series and setting up a clench-your-teeth, hold-your-breath series finale.
—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
As the ball landed safely on the other side of the left field fence at Nationals Park on Monday, Dylan Crews clenched his fists and let out a scream.
—
Danielle Allentuck,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
An accompanying photograph shows Glimcher holding the viewer’s gaze, his right hand outstretched on the desk, clenched in a tight fist.
—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
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The ring finger is typically slightly shorter than the middle finger, but the two work closely together, generating grip strength and stabilizing the hand.
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There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.
Verb
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England were on the cusp of one of the biggest World Cup upsets in recent memory — until the heart and soul of the program came up more than clutch.
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In the midst of handing the job over to his son, even as Diego is making a speech about water supplies, hygiene and education, Don Alejandro snatches it back to cheers, clutches his heart and dies.
Noun
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In comparison, the Sparks, without an offensive rebound until the end of the third quarter, were forced to make perfect shots, though that was far from the team’s grasp.
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For much of the last six years, control has escaped the former top prospect’s grasp.
Verb
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The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
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The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
Verb
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Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.
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Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
Cite this Entry
“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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