clench

verb

clenched; clenching; clenches

transitive verb

1
2
: to hold fast : clutch
clenched the arms of the chair
3
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fists
clench noun

Examples of clench in a Sentence

He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead. He clenched his fists in anger. She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech. She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth. He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If he's nominated and manages to clench the win, the actor could make Emmy history as the first Black winner for best supporting actor in a drama. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 15 July 2025 They were clenched into what Christina called the claws. Clare Sestanovich, New Yorker, 13 July 2025 Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack Twist is Ennis’ foil in every way: loose where Ennis is clenched, hungry where Ennis is stoic. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025 As detailed in the documentary, many passengers popped Imodium and clenched their cheeks, hoping to escape the ship without having to grab a bag, but four days is a long time. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clench

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clench was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clench. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

clench

verb
1
: to hold fast : clutch
2
: to set or close tightly
clench one's teeth
clench one's fist

More from Merriam-Webster on clench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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