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.
See Examples For:
I get up there, I’m like, smile, don’t look like you’re shaking inside, pop the hip, float your arm down, don’t clench your hand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
As he was moved into the ambulance “his jaw suddenly started to clench down”, she said.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2024
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
Admiral Faucet spoke consolingly, but Penelope felt his hand clench beneath the table.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
Somatic workout classes, characterized by minuscule clenches and releases, have exploded in popularity as an antidote to high-intensity exercise.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
It’s like the face that Dorothy makes when she clenches her eyes shut and clicks her ruby red slippers to transport herself home.
From Slate ● May 12, 2024
Mercy clenches her hands and she thumps the table as she agrees.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2023
The way his phrasing clenches while he slowly rolls up the volume in his lungs — as if he’s losing his temper because we aren’t listening.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 18, 2021
A furious heat rises in me, from my gut to the tips of my fingers, and my body clenches at his audacity, at the lies, at the lengths he’s willing to go to punish me.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Each of Alcaraz's winners was met with a clenched fist and celebratory cry of "vamos" - Spanish for "let's go" - towards his team on the side of the court.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
He plans to stay in Miami until Scotland knows its fate, and to pass the time in a much more pleasant way than watching other teams with clenched teeth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
She celebrated with a clenched fist after a ferocious smash secured a break for a 4-1 lead.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
“That execution was perfection,” said Doncic, who clenched both fists when Reaves’ shot dropped softly through the net.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2026
I clenched my jaw as I watched the Butterfly slosh lamp oil over the dry wood of the ship.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
His save from van Hecke's header left head coach Matthias Jaissle clenching his fists on the touchline.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026
About 40 units are needed for the masseter muscles to help soothe teeth clenching.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026
Gardner’s on antianxiety drugs to help him function, and he’s started wearing a mouthguard at night because he’s been clenching his teeth in his sleep.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2025
They’re clenching their fists while they’re watching this keynote.
From New York Times ● Jun. 14, 2024
They were clenching on to the sides of their desks and looking as afeared as a horse that’s seen a three-head snake.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Vocabulary lists containing clench
"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling
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Ender's Game
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Inside Out & Back Again
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