unclench

American

[uhn-klench] / ʌnˈklɛntʃ /

Also unclinch

verb (used with or without object)

to open or become opened from a clenched state.

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

They get clean, they drink smoothies, they unclench their jaws for the first time in years.

From Salon • Nov. 7, 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

I would hold my breath, unclench my fists, and wait for tomorrow.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023