CLENCHES Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

clenches 1 of 2

noun

plural of clench

as in grips

the act or manner of holding fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle

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clenches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of clench

as in clutches

to have or keep in one's hands clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune

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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 clenches

Verb

As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026 As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch. — Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025 When the sky darkens, her stomach clenches. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 In a similar way, a man who is defiant stiffens his neck, squares his shoulders, lowers his brows, and clenches his fists with his knuckles forward. — Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 Zonal reinforcements fend off unfriendly rocks, stumps and features, and a Vibram Megagrip sole clenches all kinds of slippery, unbalanced raw ground. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025 As Solène leaves, Rainbeau clenches her fists, talking herself out of hitting Solène and remembering the way disputes got resolved in her family. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clenches

Noun

In the wake of October 7, antisemitism has been an issue the BBC has struggled to get to grips with and documentary strand Storyville is in the eye of the storm.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Heated grips come as standard, while a reversible gearshift mechanism allows riders to switch to a race-style reverse shifting pattern for circuit use.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of grips

Verb

The doctor wears a Star of David necklace and, in a pivotal scene in the show’s first season, clutches it while reciting the Shema, a central Jewish prayer, during an emotional crisis.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Anna practically clutches her pearls when asked to help the homeless.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clutches

Noun

Through universal intelligent manipulation, the robot autonomously plans grasps, adjusts force in real time, and navigates obstacles using seamless hand–eye coordination.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
The Hurricanes needed that to happen after the game nearly slipped out of their grasps.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025

Definition of grasps

Verb

There is a build up of dust on the chain that holds the cup dispenser suspended above the ice cream station.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
One other consideration was the Dream’s primary home, Gateway Center Arena in College Park, which holds about 3,500.

— Rod Beard, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of holds

Noun

The commission recommends people in the Asheville area purchase bear-resistant trash containers, or modify existing trash containers with straps, buckles or metal clasps to lock down the lids.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
Additional features such as clasps and compartments can add to the weight.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clasps

Verb

If anyone who is hired to MC one of the largest events in golf grabs a microphone and joins in on ‘f you’ chants directed at a player in the event you're being paid to be a part of, that person is undoubtedly being fired, regardless of gender.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The suspect runs inside, grabs rolls of lottery tickets, stuffs them into a bag and runs out.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabs

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“Clenches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clenches. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clenches

noun

verb

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