Clench — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈklench/

Meaning & Definition of Clench

Clench (verb)

  1. clinch
  2. to hold fast, clutch
  3. to set or close tightly

Clench (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or manner of holding

    "fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle"

    similar: clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold, hold
    related: anchorage, leverage, purchase, grab, seizure, foothold, footing, toehold, clinch, embrace, hug
    near: release, relinquishment

Clench (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have or keep in one's hands

    "clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune"

    similar: cling (to), clutch, grip, hold, hang on to, hold on to
    related: bear, carry, bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, grab, grapple, hook, land, latch (on or onto), nab, nail, seize, snap (up), snare, snatch, take, trap, feel, finger, handle, paw, clasp, embrace, grasp, hug, cradle
    near: drop, give, hand, unclasp, unhand, cede, deliver, give up, hand out, hand over, release, relinquish, render, turn over, yield

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Clench

The most common words with a similar meaning to Clench:

clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold, hold, cling (to), clutch, hang on to, hold on to

Related Words for Clench

anchorage, leverage, purchase, grab, seizure, foothold, footing, toehold, clinch, embrace, hug, bear, carry, bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, hook, land, latch (on or onto), nab, nail, seize, snap (up), snare, snatch, take, trap, feel

Near Antonyms of Clench

release, relinquishment, drop, give, hand, unclasp, unhand, cede, deliver, give up, hand out, hand over, relinquish, render, turn over, yield

Word Forms of Clench

Inflections: clenched, clenching, clenches

Derived words: clench (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Clench

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

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Clench

What does "Clench" mean?

"Clench" means clinch. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: clinch. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Clench"?

Other words for "Clench" include clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold, hold and cling (to). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Clench" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Clench"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Clench". Common alternatives include clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold, hold, cling (to), clutch and hang on to.

How do you use "Clench" in a sentence?

Examples of "Clench" in a sentence: "fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle"; "clenched a tissue in his hands as he told his story of misfortune".

Is "Clench" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Clench" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Clench"?

"Clench" is pronounced /ˈklench/.

What is the origin of the word "Clench"?

"Clench" comes from Middle English, from Old English -clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling. First known use: 13th century.

What is another word for "Clench" meaning "the act or manner of holding"?

When "Clench" (noun) means the act or manner of holding, synonyms include clasp, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip and handhold.