unclench
Americanverb (used with or without object)
Etymology
Origin of unclench
First recorded in 1300–50, unclench is from the Middle English word unclenchen. See un- 2, 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.
In that he echoes Barack Obama, who in 2009 told Iran’s regime, “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
I think the presence of four hands, rather than the usual two, doubles down on this intention — the way bodies can successfully signal to one another to loosen up, unclench, allow flow.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2025
The “cleanse” stretched from days into weeks, and Ramona felt her mind unclench.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2024
For the first time in months, I feel my heart unclench a bit.
From Slate ● Jun. 11, 2023
Dad clears his throat and his hands clench and unclench the steering wheel.
From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
