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clincher

noun

ˈklin-chər How to pronounce clincher (audio)
Definition of clinchernext
as in factor
something (as a fact or argument) that is decisive or overwhelming the fact that the resort had tennis courts was the clincher in our deciding to stay there

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 clincher The clincher for Clark was one of his worst drives of the day on the par-5 16th. — Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 Gut-wrenching end for Panama and a victorious last-minute clincher for Ghana. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 18 June 2026 Jalen Brunson, a mega WWE fan in his own right, scored 45 points in the clincher on his way to becoming the NBA Finals MVP. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026 But nothing compared to the overflowing crowds that congregated after Saturday’s championship clincher. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clincher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clincher
  1. factor
  2. capper
  3. crusher
  4. topper
  5. determinant
Noun
  • Running back Jordan Marshall had just 44 yards on 11 carries, and five-star freshman Savion Hiter wasn’t a factor.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to the brand, this treatment was designed to address hereditary factors, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
    — Carly Cardellino Vaccaro, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of factor
Noun
  • But given how poorly that series capper went over, her chances of winning a third Emmy are in some jeopardy.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Burrows’ performance as James Burrows, television comedy icon, in HBO’s The Comeback proved a worthy career capper.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Definition of capper
Noun
  • Qatar did the same for reckless driving two years ago, feeding a Toyota Supra into a car crusher after its driver was filmed doing donuts on a highway.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of Denver comics also performed there, with nationally touring acts such as Ben Roy and Andrew Orvedahl (Cayton-Holland’s Grawlix partners) and crushers such as Josh Blue, Janae Burris, Troy Walker, and Christie Buchele.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of crusher
Noun
  • Biennale College Cinemas was conceived 15 years ago by Venice chief Alberto Barbera in tandem with Torino Film Lab topper Savina Neirotti, who heads the unique Venice initiative.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Northwest Naturals recalled a frozen cat food that doubles as a protein topper for dogs, as well as frozen raw dog food.
    — Julia Hawkins, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of topper
Noun
  • Many of the leaders my PR agency works with are accustomed to SEO being the most powerful determinant of their online fate.
    — Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In their perspective published Saturday in the New England Journal of Medicine, a veterinarian and an oncologist quickly point out the social determinants of health at play in this scenario.
    — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of determinant

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clinched
clincher
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Cite this Entry

“Clincher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clincher. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clincher

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clincher

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