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
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
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
“Acknowledge them, acknowledge their origins, and then let them leave your body naturally. Breathe in, and then release. It might also be wise to unclench your fists.”
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
