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

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 clutch
Noun
Use it as a clutch, a packing cube, a poolside catchall, or a wet bag for your swimsuit. Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025 Then an error and a clutch two-run double by Val Lopez tied the score for the Spartans in the seventh inning, and the contest went to extra innings. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
Verb
Firefighters went door to door, urgently evacuating residents – parents clutching infants, families half-asleep. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 She was found clutching the blade of the box cutter held by Randal Lawton, who surrendered once police entered the restroom with guns drawn. Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • Adapted from the Danish novels by Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit), the Netflix series is a gripping yarn about the yoke of guilt and the unwavering patience of redemption.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 30 May 2025
  • His gripped his white wine like a potion, delivering hope.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Certain SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants have been linked with grinding and clenching the teeth, Schultz says.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 1 June 2025
  • No discomfort arises from keeping the mouth clenched on a snorkel mouthpiece, and often, this type of mask will not fog as readily.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Kelly holds a political science degree from Wichita State University.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • The Forty Mile Tattoo Convention will be held Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento, 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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