as in decided
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors
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Recent Examples of clinched
The expansion franchise had clinched its postseason berth with an 84-80 victory over Dallas, but failed to move up in the standings.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Italy led 1-0 deep into second half stoppage time before England equalized and then clinched the victory with a 119th-minute goal.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Though both series championships were clinched entering the race weekend, there was still plenty of drama and excitement on track throughout the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix.
—Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Among the arrivals is Paolo Campinoti, principal of the Prima Pramac team, with whom world champion Jorge Martín clinched the premier-class title in 2024.
—Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The Seattle Storm clinched the WNBA’s final playoff spot last night thanks to a dramatic comeback.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
When Uong was introduced to another local partner, Chris Prasad, who owns six bars including the Beach on Bourbon Street, the deal was clinched.
—Beth D'addono, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Kansas punted and Mizzou clinched its victory when running back Jamal Roberts found room on the outside and broke free for a 63-yard rushing touchdown.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The Army barely clinched its recruiting goal of 55,000 in the last fiscal year.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Italy led 1-0 deep into second half stoppage time before England equalized and then clinched the victory with a 119th-minute goal.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Though both series championships were clinched entering the race weekend, there was still plenty of drama and excitement on track throughout the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix.
—Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Among the arrivals is Paolo Campinoti, principal of the Prima Pramac team, with whom world champion Jorge Martín clinched the premier-class title in 2024.
—Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The Seattle Storm clinched the WNBA’s final playoff spot last night thanks to a dramatic comeback.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
When Uong was introduced to another local partner, Chris Prasad, who owns six bars including the Beach on Bourbon Street, the deal was clinched.
—Beth D'addono, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Kansas punted and Mizzou clinched its victory when running back Jamal Roberts found room on the outside and broke free for a 63-yard rushing touchdown.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The Army barely clinched its recruiting goal of 55,000 in the last fiscal year.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinched
Verb
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The two reportedly worked on the tune during her lifetime for her final album, but the cut didn’t make the tracklist, so Gad decided to release it many years later.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Its pilots received authorization to shoot it down but decided not to open fire after assessing the collateral risks.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Speaking from Madrid, Bessent noted that the commercial specifics of the arrangement have already been settled.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
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Any game settled by three points will see further examination of key decisions, and that is no different in KC coach Andy Reid’s call to go for it on fourth-and-1 early in the third quarter.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The 2024 lottery pick's status for training camp remains to be determined.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Dillane is the first-ever Brooklyn Arts Ambassador—what that means, exactly, remains to be determined.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinched. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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