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

Jones tossed a shutout in a 2-0 win over West Broward in the Class 9A regional final and then back-to-back wins over Apopka and Newsome to clinch the state title. — Gary Curreri, sun-sentinel.com, "Palm Beach 9A-7A softball player of the year: Tyrina Jones, Park Vista sophomore," 19 June 2019 Right-hander Lake Bachar threw six quality innings, Kyle Overstreet and Brad Zunica both drove in two runs and Double-A Amarillo clinched its division’s first-half title on Monday with an 8-2 win at Oklahoma City. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Minors: Sod Poodles clinch first-half Texas League title," 18 June 2019 The Raptors found a way to prevail in Game 6 of the NBA Finals Thursday and earned a 114-110 victory to clinch the first title in the team's 24-year existence. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Drake, Raptors Fans in Jurassic Park Jump for Joy After Toronto Clinches First Title," 14 June 2019 The Warriors tweeted out a big thank you to their fans after their final game in Oakland Thursday night, which ended in a 114-110 defeat to the Raptors in Game 6, clinching Toronto’s first NBA title. — Tom Fitzgerald, SFChronicle.com, "Social media reacts to Raptors’ Game 6 win over Warriors for NBA title," 13 June 2019 The Deerfield Beach Junior Division All-Stars won the rubber match against Fort Lauderdale Little League to clinch the district title and advance to the State of Florida Tournament in Tallahassee starting July 20. — Emmett Hall, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deerfield Beach Little League Junior Division All-Stars ready for trip to Florida's capital," 12 July 2018 Zimmerman said shortly after Marple Newtown clinched its first state title. — Rick O'brien, Philly.com, "Rick O'Brien's 2018 all-Southeastern Pennsylvania baseball team," 16 June 2018 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

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.