Meaning & use
clenched fist
A hand held tightly closed with the fingers curled into the palm, usually showing anger, tension, or determination.
See it in a sentence
He raised a clenched fist in triumph as he crossed the finish line first.
She spoke through a clenched fist, her knuckles white with frustration.
A note on using this word
The phrase usually functions as a noun describing the gesture itself, and is often paired with verbs like raise, clench, or ball into.
Words with a similar meaning
fist
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
open hand
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