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

• factor
• capper
• crusher
• topper
• coup de grace
• 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

Washington took Game 1, the first of three — including Pittsburgh’s clincher — that went to overtime. —Sean Gentille, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Edwards went 5 for 7 on mid-range attempts in Portland, with the fifth make serving as the game clincher. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, who is in a relationship with Wilson, was on hand for Friday's clincher. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

The Aces never trailed in the series clincher, building a 30-21 lead by the end of the first quarter on 55% shooting. —NPR, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1703, 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