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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clinch
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
The New York Knicks clinched a 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four on Wednesday night, making a record comeback from 29 points and putting their first championship since 1973 well within reach.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
The Padres will at some point clinch a playoff berth, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Verb
Now, the Mustangs have clinched the program’s fifth state trophy and first since 2019.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
The New York Knicks clinched a 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four on Wednesday night, making a record comeback from 29 points and putting their first championship since 1973 well within reach.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Noun
As Red Sox players straggled into their clubhouse to prepare the afternoon’s game, the atmosphere was both triumphant and, by their manager’s own admission, feeling the after-effects of Friday night’s clinch celebrations.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
The Padres will at some point clinch a playoff berth, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
Verb
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Studios will also be required to notify the DGA if an employer decides to license a director’s work to train a generative AI system to create new work.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
Tie breakers are decided by, in order, head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored.—
Boston Herald,
Boston Herald,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The boy stepped out of the chair, thanked the staff and said goodbye — only to sheepishly return for a hug with Hiniker.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
-
At the 2024 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, Jelly Roll was joined on stage by his daughter who cuddled up to her dad for a sweet hug.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Saudi Arabia was 10 minutes away from upsetting Uruguay, only to settle for a tie.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
His father embarked on a number of business ventures, including working as a taxi driver, after the family settled in New York City.—
Kelsie Hoffman,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
His penchant for unexpected painterly modes would consistently mark the artist’s practice, culminating in his recent and gleeful adoption of the iPad and his embrace of immersive digital art.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
12 June 2026
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Pulling up to the hotel, even in a constant drizzle synonymous with winter in Paris, I was captivated by its timeless charm and instantly felt its luxurious embrace as my carry-on was whisked inside.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Anyone who may have been exposed to measles should first determine whether they have been vaccinated against measles by checking their immunization records, the public health department advised.—
Connor Sheets,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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Instead, the Knicks – determined not to get punked out on their home floor – made a charge for the ages.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The first LTVs may determine whether NASA can secure water ice and establish a lasting foothold on the Moon.—
Chris Young
June 13,
New Atlas,
13 June 2026
-
The latest report, from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, also traced how Russia and Rwanda have established economic and security footholds in CAR alongside UAE trading networks.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Collins led Dooley in the May 19 primary but neither surpassed 40%, leaving many Republican votes up for grabs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
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Texts, screen grabs, recordings and other records recovered from a search of Rinderknecht’s cellphones portray a man who was by turns lonely and livid, angry at billionaires and ex-romantic partners while seemingly scared about his own declining mental health.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Noun
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The Padres remain on the fringe of the way-too-early playoff picture while waiting for Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts and Machado to find their footing.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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Britain responded with a war-footing, blockading the Bay of Naples.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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