clinch 1 of 2

verb

ˈklinch How to pronounce clinch (audio)
Definition of clinchnext
as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clinch

2 of 2

noun

as in hug

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of clinch
Verb
The Wizards did cut the lead to 3 points late, but free throws and rebounding ultimately clinched the win for Charlotte, who improved to 3-1 on the season. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026 Today’s Four Questions interviewee is Hephzibah coach Daniel Dorsey, whose team clinched its first region title in history last week with a 74-0 victory over Cross Creek. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
The second the fight began, Rousey exploded forward, secured a clinch, executed a textbook judo takedown, and immediately transitioned into her trademark armbar before Carano could settle into the fight. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 Pocket exchanges, dirty boxing in the clinch and consistent pressure to the body added up faster than Diaz's volume could compensate for, and a cut over Diaz's right eye opened up early in Round 1. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
  1. decide
  2. hug
  3. settle
  4. embrace
  5. determine
  6. foothold
  7. grab
  8. footing
Verb
  • That decision, handed down just before noon Friday, all but ensures the issue will reach the Supreme Court and be decided there before polls close Tuesday.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The couple decided to tie in both of their cultural backgrounds through other planning decisions.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of decide
Noun
  • She was then joined by the rest of the cast, who ended the routine with a sweet group hug.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • As grateful as graduates are to shake hands with politicians, Raker cares most about the hug – from her son.
    — Noel Brennan, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Minnesota Vikings fans who’d settled in for the team’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins were surprised to see a Paxton ad show up during one of the in-game breaks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Does not America offer any inducement for men to settle here?
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of settle
Noun
  • Mamdani's speech reflects the growing embrace of socialism among Democrats and young people more broadly.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Yet throughout his Presidency, Obama largely continued Clinton’s embrace of free trade.
    — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • Give the city, the district and potential partners the time to determine whether co-location can work before making a decision that cannot easily be undone.
    — Tim Lonergan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Establish a panel of coaches, athletic directors and players to determine a reasonable figure and all athletes being paid will receive that amount.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of determine
Noun
  • For Shea, festival partners such as Tokyo give the Academy a foothold in each region.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Since partnering with Jack Tobin Agency two years ago, Zankov has grown his brand’s international business more than tenfold and doubled its global stockist network, strengthening its foothold across Europe and North America.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of foothold
Noun
  • The Dolphins scored on their first two drives of the game, with Willis finding rookie Caleb Douglas, who missed the last few games due to injury, for a seven-yard touchdown grab to kick off the scoring in this one.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • There are also some grab-and-go snacks available for purchase in the living/reception area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Noun
  • Key to Tan’s turnaround effort is Intel’s foundry business, which has struggled to find its footing.
    — Katie Tarasov,Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Finding that balance is part of how Traoré can secure his footing in a crowded backcourt.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of footing

Browse Nearby Words

climes
clinch
clinched
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Cite this Entry

“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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