death grip

noun

Definition of death gripnext
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the cult leader had such a death grip on his followers that all orders were carried out without the slightest objection

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of death grip The stagnant offense of his death grip dragged its way into a final-drive game, eerily similar to when Florida faced USF weeks ago, kicking off this saga. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 As in give it up, let go, release the death grip. — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025 Across genres and styles, new books must maintain a death grip on the reader’s attention, fearful of losing it to the many readily accessible distractions lying at most one foot from the book itself. — Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025 After further assessment and some discussion, the team focused on the quad, which evidently had a death grip on Tichyque’s femur. — Literary Hub, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for death grip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for death grip
  1. control
  2. power
  3. dominion
  4. sway
  5. reign
Noun
  • Temperature control requires some attention, as the trailers can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cool dramatically after dark.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Virna Jandiroba just took her down nine times and didn’t do much with that top control.
    — Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • Since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, many aspects of personal life for members of the Communist Party or the state sector, from divorce to travel and social activities, have come under increasing scrutiny.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The genius villain is telepathic and has several powers, including superhuman strength, telekinesis, energy projection, shapeshifting and teleportation.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • The mandate was awarded to Great Britain but was to be exercised by South Africa (then a dominion within the British Empire).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • More recently, the tiny Delica Mini has expanded the Delica's dominion, flashing some adventure and camping chops of its own.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That’s given Betancourt tremendous sway in Venezuelan oil circles, the people said, in spite of years of investigations in Europe, the US and Venezuela over allegations of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud.
    — Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sway
Noun
  • This coming season sees City with a new manager in Enzo Maresca, who has big shoes to fill given Guardiola’s immensely successful 10-season reign before stepping away in late May.
    — Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • America’s reign of corporate anonymity was finally coming to an end.
    — Casey Michel, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reign

Browse Nearby Words

deathblows
death grip
death grips
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Death grip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/death%20grip. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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