Synonyms for

Clam

Verb / klæm / Another word for clam — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a type of shellfish that lives in sand or mud

Synonyms & similar words

buck onedollarbill dollarbill dollar oyster mussel scallop cockle quahog clamshell bivalve shellfish mollusk crustacean seafood chowder stew soup gumbo bouillabaisse

Synonyms by register

Formal

bivalve mollusk

Informal

shellfish mollusc

Literary

ocean jewel sea treasure

Antonyms

open exposed revealed uncovered vulnerable communicative talkative

Common collocations

  • clam chowder
  • open a clam
  • clam bake
  • dig for clams
  • clam shells
  • dead as a clam
  • clam up

Word family

noun clam
verb clam

Usage note

As a verb, 'clam' means to become silent or uncommunicative. It is often used in the phrase 'clam up'.

Example sentences

  1. I love to eat clam chowder.
  2. We found a clam at the beach and threw it back into the ocean.
  3. Clams are a type of seafood that many people enjoy eating.
  4. The clam shell was buried deep in the sand.
  5. I heard that clam digging is a fun activity at the beach.

Quotes

  • A clam has no lips, yet still manages to find pearls. - Anthony T. Hincks
  • The world is your oyster. Or clam. Or whatever shellfish metaphor you prefer. - Neil Pasricha
  • I'm as happy as a clam, as long as I'm not opening a can of them. - Unknown

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