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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Peeps also lend themselves to DIY projects — cupcake toppers, spring table centerpieces, seasonal s’mores.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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Molly’s mom also collected bride-and-groom cake toppers from various eras, displaying them in a cabinet.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
22 Mar. 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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This disparity is driven by inadequate access to prenatal care, high hypertension rates and other social factors.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
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That slightly sweet sap is packed with natural moisturizing factors—like amino acids, PCA, and hyaluronic acid—that keep skin hydrated and balanced.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Another long-standing challenge to physician authority and judgment is the relationship with insurers, which has become one of the most significant determinants of care delivery.—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
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The organization offers a Nurse Family Partnership Program, which consists of weekly home visits from a nurse, and the Guided Journey Program, which focuses on the social determinants of health.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinchers. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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