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:
Faces clench before pivotal moments of conflict on stage.
From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026
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
I felt my heart clench, because it’s like, “Oh, there she really is.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2025
As he was moved into the ambulance “his jaw suddenly started to clench down”, she said.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2024
Theo has full lips and when he bites the bottom one, the muscles in his jaw clench.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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
Mercy clenches her hands and she thumps the table as she agrees.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2023
I get tense, and my jaw clenches as I make pathetic flink sounds instead of the solid whunk that results when your hammer really connects.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 28, 2022
Then he locks his knees, points his toes, clenches his buttocks, tucks his arms into his sides, shrugs his shoulders and hurls himself toward land as fast as humanly possible.
From New York Times ● Dec. 3, 2021
My jaw clenches, and my stomach aches, and my brain’s all jumbled up and spinning.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
When Duckett turned Santner to mid-wicket for the single that took him to three figures, he clenched his fist, screamed in delight, saluting both the dressing room and his home crowd.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 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 stomach in a knot, waiting for all the disappointment.
From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
After years spent clenching, tightening and torquing myself out of all types of alignment, I am ready to surrender my way back to something like order.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 19, 2026
She grew in confidence as Kudermetova faltered, clenching her fists and yelling in celebration after a thumping forehand winner secured victory.
From BBC ● May 11, 2025
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
I see him wipe his eyes and straighten up, his jaw clenching.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
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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