clench
verb/klɛntʃ/
Frequency rank: #17,840 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
to close or squeeze tightly, especially muscles, fists, or teeth.
Example sentence
He felt his stomach clench with anxiety before the big presentation.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 17,801–17,900
- caliperA measuring instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object.
- celluloidA flammable plastic material formerly used to make photographic film; also used to refer to cinema in general.
- cinchsomething very easy to do; a sure thing
- cirrusA type of high-altitude cloud made of ice crystals, appearing as thin, wispy streaks or tufts.
- clattera loud rattling noise made by hard objects hitting each other.
- colicsevere pain in the abdomen, especially in infants who cry excessively.
- collectableWorth keeping or acquiring because of special interest, rarity, or value.
- commonsensebased on practical good judgment that most people would agree with.
- confoundto cause confusion or surprise; to bewilder or perplex someone.
- conjugalrelating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.