EN

Synonyms for clutch

  • verb

Most common

get hold of take hold clasp fondle

All synonyms

Verb

1. Clasp — to grip or grasp tightly

clasp, grip, hold, seize, grasp, clinch, hold tight, grab, take, nab, hold on, snatch, catch, get hold of, lay hold of, take hold, hang on, grapple, seizure, cling to, cling, fondle

Other

swoop

Definitions

  1. v. 1

    To grip or grasp tightly.

    She clutched her purse tightly and walked nervously into the building.

Related words

Phrases
clutch at straws clutch bag clutch disc clutch pedal clutch pencil clutch plate
Other spellings
clitch

Forms

Past participle
clutched
e.g. clutched → clasped, gripped, seized, grasped…

Choose the right word

Clutch, Grasp, Grip or Gripe?

We clutch with a swift, tenacious movement of the fingers; we grasp with a firm but moderate closure of the whole hand; we grip or gripe with the strongest muscular closure of the whole hand possible to exert.

J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)

Example sentences

  • clasp She fastened the clasp of her necklace.
  • fondle If you leave, I'll tell all the world you fondle me while I sleep.

Popularity over time

Word1850 → 2019Trend
clutchfalling
clasprising
fondlerising

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

3 letters
nab1
4 letters
take1, hold1, grab1, grip1
5 letters
catch1, grasp1, seize1, cling1, swoop1, clasp1
6 letters
snatch1, clinch1, fondle2
7 letters
seizure2, grapple2

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (fondle2 = 2 syllables).