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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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

Fishing has long dried up in Snook’s Arm, so Calvin and his son Wade (Charlie Heaton) make a living by collecting ice for a local vodka brewery and running an Airbnb out of their home.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Afghanistan has also suffered from decades of conflict and global aid has all but dried up since the return of Taliban rule in 2021.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dry up

Verb

Actually good, but couldn't get a word in because Girardi and Rizzo, two former YANKEES, wouldn't shut up.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
These days we are surrounded by ghosts and gossamer visions vying for our attention, trying to tell us something vital—or as mundane as to shut up already, like in my case.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of shut up

Browse Nearby Words

clams up

clam up

clan

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Style

“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clam up

verb

Example Sentences

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