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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
More than 500 people had gathered Sunday at a theater in Casalecchio to watch their hometown driver clinch the title in Mexico, the town's mayor told Italian news agency ANSA. — Chris Livesay, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 The Golden State Valkyries made history on Saturday, clinching the franchise’s first WNBA championship with a 68-63 Game 7 win over the Atlanta Dream. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 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
  • Days after the midterm elections, Proposition 40 has yet to be decided.
    — Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Find out what’s possible, then decide whether to participate.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 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
  • Meta, TikTok and YouTube previously settled with the plaintiffs in the same suit.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But by Thursday, the reality of that Democratic sweep’s impact on AI settled in.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of settle
Noun
  • That embrace of diversity will no doubt affect the math for the 2028 Democratic primaries — a race where only 24 hours ago, there was a strong sentiment that a white man was the only safe way for Democrats to go.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Tariffs and trade wars, Canada-bashing, Europe-bashing, the betrayal of Ukraine and embrace of Vladimir Putin, the grotesque self-enrichment of himself and his circle, the unleashing of an armed militia of ICE goons on our streets.
    — Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • Herzog began consultations with party leaders on Wednesday night to determine whom to designate to form a government -- a process that could bring Netanyahu's opponents to power.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The partners will also test the magnet’s resilience to help determine its reliability and support high plant availability.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of determine
Noun
  • Still, testing the concept in people gives it a foothold beyond the laboratory demonstrations characterizing earlier approaches.
    — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Independents who once had a strong foothold in legacy media may have the best chance of surviving.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of foothold
Noun
  • There are also a couple of casual, al fresco dining options around the pool and cabanas, a market-style spot for grab-and-go and deli-style options, a Starbucks, and a cocktail-forward lobby bar.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Foods for the grab and go refrigerator were not marked with the date.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of grab
Noun
  • The Federal Reserve sees the labor market as being on a solid footing, although uncertainty remains.
    — Jenni Reid,Lee Ying Shan,Paulina Likos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But the president’s standing has fallen and Whatley, the former chairman of the state and national party, was never able to find his footing on the campaign trail.
    — Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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