clench

verb

ˈklench How to pronounce clench (audio)
clenched; clenching; clenches
Synonyms of clench

transitive verb

1
: clinch sense 2
2
: to hold fast : clutch
clenched the arms of the chair
3
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fists
clench noun

Synonyms of clench

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Examples of clench in a Sentence

He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead. He clenched his fists in anger. She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech. She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The third sits nearer the ear and detects chewing and teeth clenching. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 All of the grandeur and energy of Pollock’s looping brambles and cords are clenched in Krasner’s versions. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 Anyone who’s seen a movie before will know to clench at Nelson’s close attention to such random and innocent people. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026 This can lead women to clench their jaws or pelvic muscles, or grind their teeth. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clench

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clench was in the 13th century

Rhymes for clench

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Browse Nearby Words

Clemmys
clench
clench-built
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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clench. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clench

verb
ˈklench How to pronounce clench (audio)
1
: to hold fast : clutch
2
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fist
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