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
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026
As a matter of perspective, if the Celtics close 14-14 the rest of the way, the Heat would have to go 21-5 to catch the Celtics, considering Boston already has clinched the season-series tiebreaker.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 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
With a win over Villanova on Wednesday night, UConn can clinch its regular-season conference championship for the 13th straight season and the 32nd time in Auriemma’s career.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026
As a matter of perspective, if the Celtics close 14-14 the rest of the way, the Heat would have to go 21-5 to catch the Celtics, considering Boston already has clinched the season-series tiebreaker.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 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
-
In June, county voters will decide whether to back it.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Yet it’s left largely to each state to decide how much infectious disease reporting to require about it.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Glenn threw a defiant punch to the air as her music came to a close, then tears began to flow as her coach, Damon Allen, enveloped her in a hug.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Hughes also allegedly made references to giving the girl a hug and tucking her in, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Trojans eventually settled in on offense, but their stifling defense would have to lead the way throughout.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The former duchess reportedly owed Johnny O’Sullivan a little under £100,000, which Epstein helped her settle after her bankruptcy in 2010.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Melling has a lot to do with that embrace.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Having accepted Edgar Linton’s offer to join hands (and bank accounts), Cathy enjoys the creature comforts of her new life with a heavy heart that still longs for Heathcliff’s rough embrace.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The committee uses 12 criteria to determine who belongs in the field and where teams should be seeded.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
At the door, formidable bouncers determine your fate.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rebuilding, One Colony at a Time From that precarious low point of 35 animals in 1982, conservationists have worked to gradually expand the species’ foothold.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Only recently have those fleeing the AKP government itself begun to establish a foothold in the diaspora.—
Michael Paarlberg,
The Conversation,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some Plastics Clamshell containers used to package strawberries, grab-and-go deli and bakery items, salads, lettuce, and other foods are not recyclable in all areas.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Jetty’s Burgers and the resort's grab ‘n go café, Boopa’s, are convenient stops for a quick burger, a sweet treat, or a sandwich to take on the beach.—
Nneka M. Okona,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Washington has made a slight improvement on defense, especially as a rim protector, but there’s more room for Washington to regain his footing during the final quarter of the season.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
As new arrivals tried to find their footing, a tide of homicides and drug dealing swept in.—
Michael Powell,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
