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Definitions

claw

[klaw] / klɔ /
NOUN
nail of animal; tool shaped like nail of an animal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fingernail paw tentacle
STRONG
barb clapperclaw fang grapnel grappler hook manus nipper pincer spur talon unguis
WEAK
cant hook nail claw ungula
VERB
scratch, tear at
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dig rip scratch
STRONG
break graze hurt lacerate mangle maul scrabble scrap scrape tear
Antonyms
STRONG
agree cure fix heal help hide mend wait

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some software stocks are beginning to claw their way back.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is said to be weighing up all options to claw back as much time and money for the taxpayer as possible.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

“Earlier in 2026, fears around AI disrupting — or even obsoleting — software business models dominated the narrative,” he noted, with the chart above highlighting software stocks that have “managed to claw back losses.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

These animals are known for their tiny teeth and unusually short arms that end in a single enlarged thumb claw.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

I’m going to claw our way back home.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.