clutches 1 of 3

plural of clutch

clutches

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of clutch

clutches

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of clutch

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 clutches
Noun
The team allows small single-compartment clutches or clear bags measuring no more than 5 by 9 inches. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 Jewel-case clutches, basket bags, vanity cases and new cylindrical bag silhouettes were displayed alongside kitten heels, pumps and sandals designed for a stroll along the Mediterranean. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Ellis provided her chic evening clutches to roughly a dozen stars, stylish women that included Allison Janney, Jean Smart, Olivia Munn, Carrie Coon and Awkwafina. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026 But her time with the thoughtful gift would be short-lived, as another fan intercepted the throw and grabbed the towel from her clutches. — Alex Gonzalez, VIBE.com, 18 Sep. 2026 She’s unknowingly fallen into the clutches of a demented, powerless warlock (McLeod) bent on stealing her power for his own. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026 From feathery clutches to frilly brooches, fashion week guests are using the playful texture to give their looks an unexpected pop. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026 Smith, too, struggled to escape the clutches of a Burnley defence that saw Hjalmar Ekdal replace the tiring Igor midway through the second half. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Researchers have warned for years that rogue AI models could one day become powerful enough to escape the clutches of their human overlords. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026
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 In the midst of handing the job over to his son, even as Diego is making a speech about water supplies, hygiene and education, Don Alejandro snatches it back to cheers, clutches his heart and dies. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 In it, Marilyn clutches the pillow toward her, revealing her disarming fragility. — Michael Soncin, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 Here, a guest clutches hers as the finishing touch to her breezy button-down, maxi skirt, and heeled flip-flops. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 June 2026 Lemann, like the talkative older ladies of her youth, clutches the motifs of her past like talismans. — Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 Martin Short clutches his laptop walking onto set for Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026 Mispelys Salazar clutches a stack of papers close to her chest as bristling wind gusts threaten to send them flying into the air. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutches
Noun
  • Using data from powerful telescopes, the show will send you zooming through space with images of star clusters, black holes and much more.
    — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, several particles stick together and form larger clusters before sulfuric acid condenses around them.
    — Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Nine of the 10 largest individual and family donors in CNBC’s overall top 20 groups are Republican-aligned, accounting for 86 cents of every dollar contributed by the top 10, according to CNBC’s analysis of FEC records.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Though professional society guidelines recommended against performing this biopsy on women 70 or older with early-stage cancer, other groups had reported that it was still being done.
    — Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Expectations around workload and external factors, including international conflicts and crises, are contributing to these heightened anxieties.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Presenhuber added that economic crises and global politics seem continue to dampen her clients’ moods overall—and their spending.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The revelations add pressure on an intelligence establishment trying to remake itself after decades, and complicate Berlin’s efforts to counter Russia’s hybrid war, as lawmakers debate expanding the BND’s powers.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The spa Clayoquot’s Healing Grounds Spa fully embraces the healing powers of nature, capitalizing on its secluded setting along the banks of the Bedwell River.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Mercyenforcer grips the handle of his light in his bare hand to look into my other eye.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • New Orleans is facing an unusual weather combination as Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the northern Gulf Coast while dangerous heat grips the region.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Food safety officials swept into the kitchen, scrutinizing the tandoori ovens and expiration dates on batches of butter.
    — Zishaan a Latif, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Zhou timed what happened between batches, and found that, during a six-hour changeover, only one hour was useful.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In public health, the head of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention stressed the need for the continent to manufacture its own vaccines, and to do so in regional groupings.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • My groupings range from sterling silver flatware to matchbooks, but my most prized grouping is my trove of fine art.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While Wilson was only speaking for the defense, his theme accurately describes the crossroads the Giants have reached as a team here in early October.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Indiana is well positioned to compete, literally as the crossroads of America.
    — Jeff Danielson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clutches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutches. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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