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

Advertisement The Panthers swept Saginaw Boswell to clinch their first regional tournament appearance since 2013. — Brian Gosset, star-telegram, "Colleyville star headed East to continue volleyball career," 27 June 2018 That result shows that the race has tightened since June, before McSally clinched the GOP nomination. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Trump attacks Kavanaugh accuser," 25 Sep. 2018 Rhett McCaffety, Cy-Fair The sophomore threw six innings of scoreless ball against Clear Springs in a 5-3 win that clinched the Class 6A Region III semifinal series. — Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle, "Boys athlete of the week: Rhett McCaffety, Cy-Fair," 28 May 2018 FC Baltimore improved to 6-2-1 and clinched a playoff berth in its inaugural season. — baltimoresun.com, "Digest (June 30): Randy Hippeard throws five TD passes, but Brigade upended," 30 June 2018 So did the prospect of the Golden State Warriors clinching the NBA Championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers in only four games. — Brittany Shoot, Fortune, "Want a Free Taco Bell Doritos Locos Taco Today? Here's How to Get One.," 13 June 2018 Salvini’s League was the biggest vote-getter in a center-right coalition that together clinched 37 percent. — Washington Post, "Resume of professor picked to be Italy’s premier scrutinized," 23 May 2018 Michigan and Oklahoma The two traditional powers have only met on the field just once, in a 14-6 Oklahoma win in the 1976 Orange Bowl that clinched the Sooners’ second national championship under Barry Switzer. 7. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "10 non-conference college football matchups we want to see soon," 16 May 2018 That will prevent Zapf and Cate from clinching re-election in June when the electorate typically leans more Republican because of lower voter turnout among Democrats in primary elections. — David Garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Top candidates in San Diego council races widen fundraising leads," 2 May 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.