clench

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.

"One of my most frequent tics is I clench my stomach and that makes me inhale air, which means that I'm constantly bloated," Smith says.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

It starts around 6:45 a.m. — a faint, faraway boom, followed by a low growl that makes my stomach tighten and hands clench.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Introduced to Stallone and his family, the Pope said how much he enjoyed the actor's films, prompting a smiling Stallone to clench his fists as if ready to spar, saying, "Ready, we box."

From Reuters • Sep. 8, 2023

“We confirmed that the left lower jaw of the mammal does indeed plunge into the rock to clench the ribs of the dinosaur,” Mallon says.

From Scientific American • Jul. 18, 2023

“This boy,” he said, slapping him on the back—I saw Henry’s neck clench and his teeth sink into his lower lip—“is one in a million. Isn’t he a prince, Kathy?”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt