clincher

noun

clinch·​er ˈklin-chər 

: one that clinches: such as

a

: a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark

the expense was the clincher that persuaded us to give up the enterprise

b

: a tire with flanged beads fitting into the wheel rim

Synonyms of clincher

• factor
• capper
• crusher
• topper
• ace in the hole
• determinant
• coup de grâce

Examples of clincher in a Sentence

the fact that the resort had tennis courts was the clincher in our deciding to stay there

Recent Examples on the Web

Manager Rob Thomson punctuated the Phillies' postseason clinchers over the years with a call-and-response in the clubhouse, asking Realmuto how many more wins were needed to win the World Series. —CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

The Leeds United goalkeeper had an agonisingly close-up view of Gabriel Gudmundsson’s 94th-minute clincher in London, stretching for it, but failing to keep it out. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026

Fitzgerald was one of best freshmen in the country with six interceptions, including the game-clincher against Texas A&M in the first round. —Erick Smith, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

The game-clincher came one play after linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith’s second interception, which preserved a 34-27 lead. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clincher

• pincher

Kids Definition

clincher

noun

clinch·​er ˈklin-chər 

: one that clinches

especially : a decisive fact or argument