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
Clutch pedal effort Complaints are small, but in a sportier vehicle like this, enthusiasts usually like more feel from the clutch pedal. David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 And more recently, Amazon was hit with a strike during the busy holiday season, as warehouse workers hoped to further hobble the company during a clutch financial quarter to force more bargaining. Ars Technica, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
As a little boy, Richard smiles at the camera – wearing a captain’s hat, dressed in a Ranger Station uniform, displaying a science award, feeding a goat, clutching a starfish, wearing a crisp, white karate gi. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 Maier revived the Knot Box clutch from 1978, introduced the Cabat tote bag, and played a significant hand in reaffirming Bottega’s dominance in the global fashion game after a quiet period in the ’90s. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clutch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • The region has been gripped by freezing weather this week with temperatures plunging into the mid-teens Monday night and barely climbing above the high 20s by Tuesday afternoon.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Already, parts of both regions are gripped by a winter storm that has killed at least four people, disrupted travel and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of households.
    J.J. McCorvey, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to snoring, other symptoms of sleep apnea can include bruxism (teeth clenching), neck pain, anxiety, and daytime drowsiness.
    Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • That’s why Taiwan is buckling up for what could be a far more volatile relationship with Washington, its most important security guarantor, now that Trump has clenched a historic political comeback.
    Wayne Chang, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As for 100 Vail Road, Tye Stockton of Compass holds the listing.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The former Unilever executive assumed a title previously held by Chanel co-owner Alain Wertheimer, who became global executive chair of the company.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clutch

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

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