CLAM UP Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

clam up

verb

Definition of clam up

as in to hush

to stop talking the little girl clammed up when the doctor came into the room

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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 clam up Everyone in the theater clammed up, as if embarrassed to have endorsed Max with laughter. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Your language model would clam up from time to time to conserve its resources. — Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026 Less sweat-trapping than many synthetic jackets, the Oreus kept me from clamming up while ski-touring in five-degree temps and dissipated sweat quickly when worn after strenuous climbs. — Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 But when co-host Maria McErlane looked for details, Norton clammed up. — Joseph Wilkinson, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clam up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clam up

Verb

The lounge is a real scene, especially during afternoon tea, when a perfectly coiffed crowd has hushed discussions about worldly matters.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The park has already taken some steps to hush their new attraction.

— Lynette Rice, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of hush

Verb

Yet Kyiv’s stockpile has dried up as the United States husbands an arsenal that has been significantly depleted by the Iran war.

— Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
The foreign money and visitors could dry up, however, if the Saudis prove incapable of defending themselves from Houthi attacks.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of dry up

Verb

Georgia Tech won its game with undefeated Duke by (ahem) shutting up and getting better during the bye week.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Turning paying ticket buyers into political punching bags and telling colleagues to shut up is terrible business and toxic for basketball.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of shut up

Browse Nearby Words

clams up

clam up

clan

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“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clam up

verb

Example Sentences

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