clutch 1 of 3

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

clutch

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clutch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How do grab and snatch relate to one another, in the sense of clutch?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can grasp be used instead of clutch?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

In what contexts can seize take the place of clutch?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How are the words snatch and seize related as synonyms of clutch?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

Where would take be a reasonable alternative to clutch?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

Examples 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 clutch
Noun
For spring, the bamboo motif was also front and center on a new East-West bag, a clutch, a mini bracelet bag and on necklaces, bracelets and collars. Booth Moore, WWD, 3 Nov. 2024 There's no clutch lever to deal with, because the motor has a centrifugal clutch and a four-speed box. New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024
Verb
However, this isn't your typical transmission with a foot gear lever and clutch. New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 The Clippers did behind a career night from Norman Powell and some clutch free throws from James Harden to pull out a 109-104 win over Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Saturday afternoon at Ball Arena. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clutch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • For those eager to revisit or catch up on the gripping saga, seasons one through three are available to stream now, exclusively on BET+.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Hell or High Water (2016) — A gripping modern Western about two brothers who resort to bank robbery to save their family ranch.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Examples include: Stress: People under a lot of stress may be more likely to clench or grind their teeth.
    Maggie Aime, MSN, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
  • The most important step is to identify and correct oral behaviors that can contribute to burning mouth syndrome, like clenching or grinding your jaw.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • So, is Robinson holding onto Burrow's Funko Pop! figurine as an attempt to steal the energy and luck from Cincinnati's beloved football team?
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Private equity firms now hold controlling stakes across an array of industries, including supermarkets, housing, health care, fashion, restaurants and vet clinics.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near clutch

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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