clinched

verb

past tense of clinch
as in decided
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

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 clinched Affleck and Ding clinched the win on a challenging Thanksgiving trivia question. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 30 July 2026 Rogers, which operates pay-TV network Sportsnet, last year clinched an $11 billion rights deal with the NHL through the 2037-38 season. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 July 2026 Since the 37-year-old state senator clinched the nomination, right-wing politicians and media figures have been running a bizarre smear campaign attacking Talarico for not being manly enough. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 After finishing the regular season atop the league with a 16-9 record, Utah clinched a spot in the AUSL’s championship series for the second consecutive year. — Molly Keshin, New York Times, 25 July 2026 In June, Hilton clinched second place in California’s gubernatorial primary behind veteran Democratic politician Xavier Becerra. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 Spain clinched their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina, securing a record $50 million prize from FIFA. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Argentina then attacked persistently and were rewarded with two goals that clinched a spot in the final. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026 The Dodgers’ come-from-behind win in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series clinched a series victory over the Yankees and produced the prevailing image of Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and their teammates reveling on the Yankee Stadium diamond. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinched
  1. decided
  2. settled
  3. determined
Verb
  • Their brain has already decided where the answer is most likely to be, and everything outside that expectation receives very little attention.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company, which is well known for indulging its experimental impulses, decided to blend together bourbon and rye and finish it in pineapple rum barrels with pieces of pineapple added to the whiskey for good measure.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of decided
Verb
  • Although Medicaid funding is flowing again to Planned Parenthood, the fierce debate over the prominent reproductive health provider is far from settled.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • The Zach Werenski situation spiraled into a vetoed trade to the Stars, then settled.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of settled
Verb
  • Those guys had first- and second-round talent, at least as determined by the 32 teams.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Worth said the total restoration cost has not yet been determined but that there are several non-city funding sources available to pay for the restoration, including the sale of historic tax credits, as well as naming rights.
    — Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of determined

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clinched
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Cite this Entry

“Clinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinched. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clinched

Nglish: Translation of clinched for Spanish Speakers

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