The term 'utilized a clutch' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'shifted, ' which is a seven-letter word. Shifting is the process of changing gears in a manual transmission vehicle, and a clutch is an integral part of this process. When shifting, the driver must press down on the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to select the desired gear. After selecting the gear, the driver must then release the clutch pedal to re-engage the engine and transmission, thus completing the shift.