1
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
2
as in batch
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit
a clutch of people traveling together
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clutch
Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Evans forced the extra four minutes in its game when smallish senior guard Johnny Wright dribbled across the lane and banked in a clutch shot to tie the score 40-40.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Naumov slipped on the jacket and clutched both hands to his heart.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clutch
Noun
His latest clutch throw propelled the Chicago Bears to yet another improbable comeback win and kept their breakout season going for at least another round of the postseason.
—Verb
Then Elliss sprinted to fall on the ball, got up and ran toward the nearest end zone in celebration, all while Herbert laid flat on his back and clutched his chest plate with both hands.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
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These outrageous price increases seem to be nothing more than corporate greed, which is what is gripping the country across the board and helping to keep inflation rising.—
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This shoe is also outfitted with a high-traction outsole that effectively grips the ground for a stable landing every time.—
Verb
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As Rathbun and other officers retreated, Webster clenched both fists, crouched into a linebacker’s stance, and charged into Rathbun, knocking him to the ground.—
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As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch.—
Verb
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Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
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He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Cite this Entry
“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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