clinch

verb

\ ˈklinch

clinched; clinching; clinches

Definition of clinch

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : clench sense 3

2a : to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail) also : to treat (a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) in a similar way

b : to fasten in this way

3a : to make final or irrefutable : settle that clinched the argument

b : to assure the winning of scored a touchdown to clinch the game

intransitive verb

1 : to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms

2 : to hold fast or firmly

clinch

noun

Definition of clinch (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt also : the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt

2 archaic : pun

3 : an act or instance of clinching in boxing

4 : embrace

Clinch

geographical name

\ ˈklinch

Definition of Clinch (Entry 3 of 3)

river about 300 miles (480 kilometers) long in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee flowing southwest into the Tennessee River

Other Words from clinch Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about clinch

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Synonyms for clinch

Synonyms: Verb

decide, determine, nail, settle

Examples of clinch in a Sentence

Verb

His home run clinched the victory. The new evidence clinches the case. Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion. The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague. If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.

Noun

The referee told the boxers to break their clinch.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

New York can clinch a spot in the postseason with a Columbus loss in regulation later Sunday and if the Islanders beat the Blue Jackets on the road Tuesday night. — Allan Kreda, The Seattle Times, "Eberle, Nelson back Lehner as Islanders beat Coyotes 2-0," 24 Mar. 2019 The survivor of that last loser’s bracket game will clinch the second South Zone Tournament berth. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Mustang all-stars open Coast Region play against Vidor squad," 4 July 2018 By winning the Texas League first half, the Hooks clinch a berth to the postseason. — Carter Karels, San Antonio Express-News, "Corpus Christi shuts out Missions," 18 June 2018 Harrison Williams of Stanford and Washington State's Alissa Brooks-Johnson clinch titles in the Pac-12 Combined Events Championships. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Oregon Ducks assistant Seth Henson is already having an impact: Oregon track & field rundown," 7 May 2018 In a tight East Division, the Black Wolves can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Georgia next Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena. — Staff Report, courant.com, "Bold Effort: Goalie Has Career-High 59 Saves For Wolves," 21 Apr. 2018 Indeed, the very real prospect that Democrats will win control of the Senate in the November 2018 elections might clinch his decision to do so. — CNN, "The Anthony Kennedy watch returns: Will he stay or will he go?," 1 Apr. 2018 If the Bulls won, the Pacers could clinch a playoff spot with a win Sunday against Miami. — Clifton Brown, Indianapolis Star, "A conversation with former MVP Steve Nash helps Darren Collison blossom with Pacers," 24 Mar. 2018 The Golden Knights, who on Tuesday clinched a playoff berth, have won three of their last five game and have won six of 10 overall. — Richard Morin, azcentral, "Game Day: Arizona Coyotes visit first-place Vegas Golden Knights," 27 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Grigoryan kept his clinch, though, and another throw took it back to the ground. — Grant Gordon, latimes.com, "First-round wins by Glendale’s Shahbazyan, Grigoryan highlight ‘Burbank Beatdown’," 22 Apr. 2018 The show keeps staggering toward a romantic clinch, then realizing that loving Elfo would be like returning to the nursery. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "Netflix’s Disenchantment suggests the messy future of princess stories," 22 Aug. 2018 Nguyen is more active with strikes in the clinch, landing knees and punches. — Todd Martin, latimes.com, "Jussier Formiga vs. Ben Nguyen live round-by-round coverage," 11 Feb. 2018 Breathing heavily to start the third, Punk came forward and immediately moved into the clinch. — John Morgan, USA TODAY, "CM Punk falls to Mike Jackson via decision at UFC 225," 9 June 2018 City have the chance to sew up the Premier League title against their bitter rivals at the Etihad Stadium with a win - which would be the earliest clinch in the competition's history. — SI.com, "Pep Guardiola Set to Rest Key Stars Against Man Utd as They Prioritise Crucial UCL Clash," 3 Apr. 2018 Font lands a hard straight right hand shortly thereafter and clinches. — Todd Martin, latimes.com, "Thomas Almeida vs. Rob Font live round-by-round coverage," 21 Jan. 2018 After a little bit at range, Wilkinson goes back to the clinch. — Todd Martin, latimes.com, "Israel Adesanya vs. Rob Wilkinson live round-by-round coverage," 11 Feb. 2018 Brexit, warning their leader, Prime Minister Theresa May, in a public letter not to cave during upcoming clinch negotiations with Brussels. — Washington Post, "Theresa May wines and dines her Brexit ‘war cabinet’ in a bid to hash out a policy," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clinch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.