Synonyms of clenches

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grips
• grasps
• clasps
• holds
• grapples
• handholds
• grabs
• handgrips
• purchases
• seizures
• anchorages
• embraces
• hugs
• leverages
• clinches
• footholds
• footings
• toeholds

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• releases
• relinquishments

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grips
• clutches
• holds
• grabs
• carries
• clings (to)
• takes
• cradles
• grasps
• snatches
• seizes
• feels
• fingers
• captures
• holds on to
• handles
• grapples
• hangs on to
• bags
• clasps
• traps
• lands
• hugs
• nails
• catches
• hooks
• snaps (up)
• embraces
• paws
• latches (on or onto)
• nabs
• snares
• bears
• collars
• corrals

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gives
• hands
• drops
• unclasps
• relinquishes
• renders
• yields
• delivers
• releases
• unhands
• cedes
• turns over
• hands out
• gives up
• hands over

Example Sentences

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