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

The Tritons scored twice in the span of 33 seconds in the middle of the fourth period to edge visiting Beckman 10-9 to clinch at least a share of a 10th consecutive South Coast League title. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

This weekend, they've been selected for printing the official AFC Championship shirts if the Denver Broncos clinch the title. —Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Noun

Here, glycerin clinches the starring role, preventing moisture evaporation; it’s joined by supporting actor hyaluronic acid, whose specialty is all things fine lines (and their prompt erasure). —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

By virtue of their relative scarcity—there have been eight empty-the-tank outings since the century began—every Game 7 is an unqualified treat, but the Dodgers’ clinch was one for the ages. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2025

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