as in aces in the hole
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
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Recent Examples of clinchers
Daytona will always be big, as will championship clinchers.
—
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Manager Rob Thomson punctuated the Phillies' postseason clinchers over the years with a call-and-response in the clubhouse, asking Realmuto how many more wins were needed to win the World Series.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Four games, all of them potential Division Series clinchers … on the same day?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Manager Rob Thomson punctuated the Phillies' postseason clinchers over the years with a call-and-response in the clubhouse, asking Realmuto how many more wins were needed to win the World Series.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Four games, all of them potential Division Series clinchers … on the same day?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinchers
Noun
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The brand, best known for their clip-in and halo extensions, also makes human-hair Remy toppers in more than a dozen colors.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
4 Feb. 2026
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Sourcing the best comforters and duvet inserts—from down toppers to fluffy, featherless options—makes a downy bedscape a reality.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But regulation losses … those are the crushers.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
14 Dec. 2025
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Beijing's stockpiling Chinese processors of raw soybeans, also known as crushers, pig farmers and feed producers have built up inventories that exceed typical levels, while state reserves have added further cushion.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
17 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But unlike other series cappers, Last Rites didn’t try to be a summation of every demonic threat the duo has ever encountered, instead opting for another familial story by way of 1986’s Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The document, though, notes that prosecutors must consider federal immunity — which is not absolute but offers some protection for agents — among other factors.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
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Additional factors like algae, moisture, and corrosion are also factors to consider.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In a new secondary analysis of the larger trial published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Patti and her colleagues asked how different social determinants of health affected outcomes after bariatric surgery compared to medical therapy for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
19 Jan. 2026
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This research suggests that social determinants of health, including financial stress and food insecurity, may belong in the same conversation.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinchers. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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