clinch

1 of 2

verb

ˈklinch 

clinched; clinching; clinches

transitive verb

1

: clench sense 3

2

a

: 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

3

a

: 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

clinchingly

ˈklin-chiŋ-lē 

adverb

clinch

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms of clinch

Verb

• decide
• settle
• determine

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

In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Amanda Loman / Getty Images Minnesota (28-7), which has already clinched a playoff berth, has won 13 of its last 14 games. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Noun

The improved clinch works best when tied with monofilament or fluorocarbon line. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026

Miles helped the Lynx (11-3) clinch a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup championship with the victory. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably alteration of clench

First Known Use

Verb

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clinch

• cinch
• finch
• flinch
• inch
• lynch
• pinch
• synch
• winch
• bullfinch
• goldfinch

Kids Definition

clinch

1 of 2 verb

ˈklinch 

1

a

: to turn over or flatten the end of something sticking out

clinch a nail

b

: to fasten by clinching

2

a

: to make final : settle

the evidence clinched the case

b

: to assure the winning of

a touchdown that clinched the game

clinch

2 of 2 noun

1

: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt

2

: the clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet

Geographical Definition

Clinch

geographical name

ˈklinch 

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