CLUTCH Synonyms: 223 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

clutch 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of clutch next

as in cluster

a number of things considered as a unit a clutch of medals adorned the general's chest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in batch

a usually small number of persons considered as a unit a clutch of people traveling together

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch

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as in power

the right or means to command or control others a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clutch

3 of 3

verb

ˈkləch

as in to grip

to have or keep in one's hands he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

That was a trio of clutch plays that set up junior guard/forward Carson Loughlin’s fadeaway jumper with 2.8 seconds left that gave the Huskies a thrilling 55-53 win. —

Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 Quinn complimented his young quarterback’s poise following the game, with Daniels turning in yet another clutch performance during his rookie season. —

Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

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

Image Neither declines in border crossings or fentanyl overdoses could much make a difference if Mr. Trump chooses to focus on the cartel bloodshed gripping large parts of Mexico as justification for imposing tariffs on its exports.

— Simon Romero, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
At least 204 flights were delayed Saturday morning at Denver International Airport, as snow and bitter cold brought by a polar vortex gripped the metro area.

— Max Levy, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025