NYT Dictionary

UNCLENCH

/ʌnˈklɛnt͡ʃ/
VerbUN-clenchun-clench · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2026

Meaning

To open (something that was clenched).

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English unclenchen, equivalent to un- + clench.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

barediscloseexposefreemanifestrevealunblockcleardeobstructpatefy

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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