as in decides
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors
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Recent Examples of clinches
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
With the win, Japan clinches the top seed out of their home pool.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
But Gophers coach Bob Motzko noted his team doesn’t want to be on the ice when any opponent clinches a conference crown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
But what really clinches him as a great choice to round out the trio is his genuine enthusiasm and on-camera attitude.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Here, glycerin clinches the starring role, preventing moisture evaporation; it’s joined by supporting actor hyaluronic acid, whose specialty is all things fine lines (and their prompt erasure).
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
San Fran clinches playoff ticket with win or a loss by Lions.
—Greg Cote
december 18, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Denver clinches the division title with a win and a Chargers’ loss or a tie and a Chargers loss.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Virginia clinches a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a win, but its chances at a CFP berth would disappear with a loss.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Verb
Bode Miller clinches the men’s overall World Cup ski title.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
With the win, Japan clinches the top seed out of their home pool.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
But Gophers coach Bob Motzko noted his team doesn’t want to be on the ice when any opponent clinches a conference crown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
But what really clinches him as a great choice to round out the trio is his genuine enthusiasm and on-camera attitude.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Here, glycerin clinches the starring role, preventing moisture evaporation; it’s joined by supporting actor hyaluronic acid, whose specialty is all things fine lines (and their prompt erasure).
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
San Fran clinches playoff ticket with win or a loss by Lions.
—Greg Cote
december 18, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Denver clinches the division title with a win and a Chargers’ loss or a tie and a Chargers loss.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Virginia clinches a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a win, but its chances at a CFP berth would disappear with a loss.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
Verb
-
In the original script, Laura, despite becoming aware of the twisted role into which she’s been cast, decides to stay with Betty’s family.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The Martinez Lake temperature won’t be deemed a new national March heat record unless the National Centers for Environment Information decides to investigate it.—
Chris Dolce,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Federal protections set a baseline, state laws can strengthen them considerably, and the type of debt involved determines how quickly and aggressively a creditor can act.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The math that drives political consensus isn’t the same math that determines economic outcomes.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Dynamism fades, and stasis settles in.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Your 12th House of Subtlety wakes as the Moon settles into Aries, inviting gentle reflection by writing a private note to capture feelings before obligations crowd your day.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One of Philadelphia's seats in the House of Representatives is up for grabs in 2026.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
All statewide elective offices are up for grabs as well as 101 state House seats and 25 Senate seats.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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