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
The female tortoise has laid four clutches of eggs since 2023, but none have hatched, zoo officials said. Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 Most clutches don’t have straps to accommodate a purse hook, either. Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
For those who might have still been clutching their pearls, Shepherd wasted no time setting the record straight. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025 That adaptability should be clutch in the postseason. — Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, Hockey Stat Cards, All Three Zones and Natural Stat Trick. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • Once the age checks were done, the opening bars to the FIFA anthem crackled through the stadium speakers, and the players filed onto the field, gripping the hands of the young local players escorting them.
    Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This movement relaxes the jaw and keeps you from clenching or grinding.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
  • My anxiety climbed, heart racing and head pounding as my jaw clenched tightly.
    Elizabeth Price, Vox, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The judge’s opinion would identify the grounds for an acquittal or for holding the defendants’ liable.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The same cat may appear in two other drawings held by the British Museum.
    Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!