clinchers

noun

plural of clincher
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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinchers
  1. toppers
  2. crushers
  3. cappers
  4. factors
  5. determinants
Noun
  • Thanks to an influx of shimmery nail toppers, there’s no need to book a chrome pedicure at the salon this season.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Nearly a year later, the city unveiled a series of street sign toppers on South Calhoun Street to honor Bridges.
    — Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of toppers
Noun
  • 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
  • Adventure bikes have ballooned into 600-pound continent crushers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of crushers
Noun
  • There is a high probability that following the team regularly will lead to securing tickets via ballots — but only the top cappers have guarantees.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Definition of cappers
Noun
  • From environmental factors to watering and fertilizing regimens, here are some of the most common reasons why crepe myrtles don’t flower and what to do about it.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Growing knowledge around these and other factors would help refine masking recommendations from public health officials.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of factors
Noun
  • The World Health Organization recognizes that individual, social and structural determinants shape mental health and that promotion and prevention efforts need to address those determinants.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • But the costs of the race will also be destiny determinants, as investors question the massive sums of capital being deployed and the timeline for seeing a return on the investment.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Definition of determinants

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Cite this Entry

“Clinchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinchers. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clinchers

Nglish: Translation of clinchers for Spanish Speakers

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