clinch

verb

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\ ˈklinch

clinched; clinching; clinches

Definition of clinch

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

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 2)

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

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

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Appropriately, Duran fired the ball to first base to clinch the win. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2022 Jesse was a sophomore at South Torrance High School, a talented baseball player who had hit a home run just hours before the crash to help his varsity team clinch a win. — Libor Janystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2022 Neiss then finished Friday’s game with two strikeouts in the bottom of the tenth inning to clinch Newberg’s win. — oregonlive, 8 Apr. 2022 A late 3 by Bey cut the deficit to 105-102 with 2:38 on the clock, but Isaac Okoro knocked down a dagger 3-pointer a minute later to clinch the win for Cleveland. — Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, 20 Mar. 2022 Jackson Brown downed Taylor King 10-3 to clinch the win for the Eagles. — al, 10 Mar. 2022 Freshman guard TyTy Washington then made four straight free throws to clinch the win. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, 5 Mar. 2022 But Cunningham remained poised and nailed a 3 on the next possession to start Detroit’s 12-1 run to end the game and clinch its second straight win. — James Boyd, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2022 Andersen led the first of five victories that clinched the title, getting a birdie on No. 14 to clinch a 6&4 win. — Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 18 Jan. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Panthers are at 118 points with five games left, allowing for a clinch before that finale. — Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2022 The clinch took place on the 1,267th day after a shocking 2-1 loss at Trinidad and Tobago that ended the Americans’ streak of seven straight World Cup appearances. — Ron Blum, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Mar. 2022 And nearly every event ends with Melinda in a drunken clinch with a young hunk while Vic placidly professes not to mind his wife’s canoodling. — Amy Nicholson, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022 Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane made two free throws the clinch it, but that was set up by Bey's block of Houston guard Jalen Green's 3-point attempt. — Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, 19 Feb. 2022 The next round, a flurry of punches from Shields prompted Kozin to wrap the champion in a clinch. — New York Times, 6 Feb. 2022 This would be a theme for Gane, tie up the champion and clinch. — Nolan King, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2022 Oliveira’s clinch game and knees to the body also had success, as well as his boxing. — Nolan King, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2021 After being penalized for hitting his opponent in the back during a clinch, Castaneda wound up losing by scores of 76-75, 76-75 and 77-74. — John Whisler, San Antonio Express-News, 9 Dec. 2021 See More

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.