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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. grips
  2. clutches
  3. grasps
  4. holds
  5. clasps
  6. grabs
Noun
  • Although first published nearly fifty years ago, this is still the best place to start for anyone who wants to get to grips with the Venetian Republic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The older contingent of media and entertainment leaders have to come to grips with the fact that the world’s population is getting younger.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of grips
Verb
  • Anna practically clutches her pearls when asked to help the homeless.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For years, Guerin has held onto his veteran core like a grandmother clutches her third-generation pearls.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 July 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
  • The smaller second bedroom holds the in-unit washer-dryer as well as an en suite bath.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Oct. 2026
  • As chair of Metro’s 13-person board, Bass holds vast power over the Los Angeles County bus and rail network.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 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
  • Nope, the Crimson Tide would most likely be on the outside looking in, while someone else from the SEC grabs their spot in the postseason.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 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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Cite this Entry

“Clenches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clenches. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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