clinched

past tense of clinch

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 With the Atlanta Braves’ loss to the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the day, the Dodgers clinched the second seed in the National League playoffs and the first-round bye that goes with it. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 The Chicago White Sox, who lost 324 games over the previous three seasons, were celebrating following a 9-1 win over the Royals that clinched their postseason spot. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026 The marathon that is the Major League Baseball season is down to a September sprint, and the Cubs and White Sox have clinched playoff berths in the final week. — Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 The signing comes at a time when the Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot for a 14th consecutive season. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026 On Tuesday, the Rockies clinched their fourth straight season with 100 or more losses with their 7-2 defeat against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Instead, the Dodgers arrive at McCovey Cove having already clinched a postseason berth, while the Giants carry the weight of a losing season that never matched the offseason optimism. — James Ward, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 Chicago's loss clinched Milwaukee's fourth straight NL Central title. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Until that postseason spot is clinched and the champagne bottles are popped for the clubhouse celebration, the Cubs are going to have to sweat it out. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinched
Verb
  • On Thursday, following the court order, representatives of the five networks decided to restart the pool for Friday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The plan is to eventually move the tracks, but officials have not decided where.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But the game flipped to the Bulldogs in the fourth as their mix of run and pass settled in.
    — PJ Green September 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Dodgers enter October seeking a third straight World Series title, but the club has not settled on a closer despite spending heavily on Edwin Díaz and Tanner Scott.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After conducting a traffic stop, troopers determined that the vehicle was not registered.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • How many games of their final series take place at Fenway Park is still to be determined because of a concerning nor’easter forecast to hit Boston this weekend.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinched. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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