as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 clinch
Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 2025
However, Ramirez is not the best clinch fighter, and his opponents can easily tie him up.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
With that same conviction, the Marlins clinched their fourth straight series Thursday afternoon, riding an early three-run lead and a brilliant outing from Eury Pérez to beat the Twins 4-1 at loanDepot park.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Verb
There are multiple clinch opportunities in both sports tonight.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 2025
However, Ramirez is not the best clinch fighter, and his opponents can easily tie him up.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
Thursday clinched the Blue Jays’ third-ever four-game sweep of the Yankees and their first in Toronto.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
With that same conviction, the Marlins clinched their fourth straight series Thursday afternoon, riding an early three-run lead and a brilliant outing from Eury Pérez to beat the Twins 4-1 at loanDepot park.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
Verb
-
Believers may decide to refrain from voting or choose a third party because, in their view, neither majority candidate is acceptable.—
Esau McCaulley,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
-
Peskov said Putin would need time to analyze Trump's remarks, some of which were directed at him, and to decide whether to comment.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Dylan Mortensen gets a hug after speaking at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse Wednesday, in Boise, Idaho.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
24 July 2025
-
The great thing about Wednesday is she’s got the bandwidth of an AM radio — in season one, just a hug could be emotional.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Gary, though, did have one last piece of business to settle — with Ballard herself, stalking her in the dark of the cold case unit’s basement HQ.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Wednesday's bit took an unexpected turn when the cameras landed on Byron and Cabot, locked in a warm embrace.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
-
The moment skyrocketed to virality, quickly helping social media users to identify the couple in the public embrace.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
The four semifinalists were determined based on point differential with the Raptors (+15.8), Thunder (+14.8), Hornets (+12.7) and Kings (+11.5) finishing ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (+9.5) and Atlanta Hawks (+8.0).—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
-
His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of his death.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Japanese basketball stars are still struggling to find a foothold in the league.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Shops, restaurants and bars in downtown Hartford have, for decades, struggled to gain — and retain — a strong foothold.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
The 2025 Tour de France is down to its final three stages, and the yellow jersey is still up for grabs.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
-
Two of the spots up for grabs are at left guard and right tackle.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
With his father struggling to adapt after years abroad in the Middle East, Bobby steps into a guiding role, helping Hank find his footing in a world that has evolved well beyond his comfort zone.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
-
Quigley joined the Sky in 2013 after struggling to find her footing in her first five years in the league.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share