clam up

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 clam up Although regulations may usher in more urgency for sustainable action, the laws rolling out around transparent claims could lead to companies clamming up about their initiatives to avoid potential greenwashing penalties. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 While Lydia wallows in the residual pain, Paul has clammed up. Judy Berman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 Judges struggle to name favorite cheese Ask a judge to pick their favorite and most will clam up, dodge the question or offer a long, unranked list. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 One social worker said that a girl clammed up in a recent interview that her mother was invited to. Scooty Nickerson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 City clams up over chance of lawsuit Antoine Bryant, director of planning and development, apologized to City Council members for soliciting the contract to pay for the murals using city money without the nine-member body's approval, which is required. Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2024 With less contact between the user's hand and the electronics, plus more airflow, users may find their hands clamming up less easily during long hours of intense use. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2023 Jim Harbaugh will coach not to lose and clam up just enough to let Ohio State’s amazing skill talent pull the upset late. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2023 When pandemic lockdowns clammed up her restaurant clientele, Ms. Brown began selling her oysters from her flatbed truck near her farm in Little Bay, New Hampshire. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clam up
Verb
  • That hushed any skeptic who assumed his power was declining, as his home run total had decreased from 36 to 29 to 24 in previous seasons.
    Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Giddy with excitement over the end of season win, Biles posted a video of her and her friend after the game attempting to celebrate quietly while hushing and grinning ear to ear.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When the summer dry season begins, all of that grass and brush dries up.
    Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Marketing blames sales for not closing leads, sales blames marketing for poor quality leads, and accounts blames everyone when the cash flow dries up.
    B.D. Dalton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Those rewards are less about shutting up and playing the hits than understanding that the relationship to the audience is slightly different.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Honestly, my plan coming in was to shut up, stay under the radar.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clam up

Cite this Entry

“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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