clincher

noun

clinch·​er ˈklin-chər How to pronounce clincher (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the last quarter-century, only four series have required a seventh frame, with the average audiences ranging from 19 million for the Spurs-Pistons clincher in 2005 to 31 million for the second Cavs-Warriors series nine years ago. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025 Ruben Amorim has endured a miserable campaign since joining United, but the vibes would indeed be ameliorated with a trophy hoist and Champions League clincher. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Game 3 drew a 1.1 rating on NBC, tied for the network’s lowest prime time rating ever with a West Wing rerun, and the highest figure was 1.8 for the Ducks’ clincher in Game 5. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 6 June 2025 Detroit’s Game 6 clincher was seen by 6.78 million fans on NBC. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clincher

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clincher was in 1703

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clincher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clincher. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

clincher

noun
clinch·​er ˈklin-chər How to pronounce clincher (audio)
: one that clinches
especially : a decisive fact or argument

More from Merriam-Webster on clincher

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!