as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The victory clinches the Central Division title and secures the top seed in the Western Conference during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers watched the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the National League East title on their home diamond after losing Monday's matchup in a back-and-forth duel.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Verb
The Ducks could clinch a playoff spot this weekend.
—Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The victory clinches the Central Division title and secures the top seed in the Western Conference during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Padres will at some point clinch a playoff berth, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers watched the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the National League East title on their home diamond after losing Monday's matchup in a back-and-forth duel.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
Verb
-
Chicago has a 13-32 record in games decided by at least 10 points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
What Santa Clara County decides in the coming months will not stay within our borders.—
Maria Noel Fernandez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Page Six posted photos of the 50-year-old NFL coach and Russini, the 43-year-old NFL reporter, sharing a hug and appear to be dancing at a Sedona hotel.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Boston Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
All four astronauts floated toward each other for a hug, and stayed locked in a group embrace as mission control observed nearly a full minute of silence.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While the daily hustle is just beginning for many, evidenced by the amount of foot traffic spotted passing by through the glass windows of the hotel’s restaurant, Jeff Peterson settles in to momentarily enjoy the Hornets’ metamorphosis and enthusiasm engulfing the franchise.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The ball bounced back toward the hole and ended up settling off the green.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Pope Leo’s peaceful messaging stands in stark contrast to Trump’s embrace of military action in Iran and his administration’s cuts to Catholic charities that aid migrants.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
There, those leaving and those staying shared what could be the last embrace.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The group also may simulate visits during these evaluations, to determine how the dogs and handlers deal with certain situations.—
Mikayla Bunnell,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Only the first four picks of the draft are determined by the lottery drawing, with the rest of the first round determined by inverse order of record.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In some ways, non-native plants help stabilize soils while native species get a foothold.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
-
As well as his eight goal involvements (two goals, six assists) in 20 games, he was also valued for his ability to hold onto possession and help the side get a foothold in games.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beck got his glove over the wall to make the grab, spun around and ran off the field smiling.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Loyola Marymount University law professor Jessica Levinson said that with key endorsements, such as labor, now back up for grabs, anyone can jump to the front of the pack.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That gives us confidence that Goldman is on strong footing, especially if the surge in oil proves temporary and the war with Iran manages to wind down on a timeline counted in weeks, rather than months.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Philo’s command of the offense and consistency stood out during the spring as Jones continued to find his footing.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
