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.
Meanwhile Novartis enlisted a group of NFL tight ends including Rob Gronkowski and George Kittle to encourage men to unclench their derrières and check out blood testing for prostate cancer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 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
So relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, cast away any negative misconceptions that you shouldn't have dessert for breakfast, and cut yourself a slice of this rustic Apple galette.
From Salon • Apr. 2, 2022
His hands clench and unclench at his sides.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
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.
