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
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles clinches the Pacific Division title and playoff berth with a win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, and if the Phoenix Suns fall to the Memphis Grizzlies.
—Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
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
Verb
The victory clinches the Central Division title and secures the top seed in the Western Conference during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles clinches the Pacific Division title and playoff berth with a win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, and if the Phoenix Suns fall to the Memphis Grizzlies.
—Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
Verb
-
What Santa Clara County decides in the coming months will not stay within our borders.—
Maria Noel Fernandez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Set in New Jersey, the story follows an ethnically and religiously confusing family fronted by hardware store owner Linda (Laurie Metcalf), who decides after the death of her mother to run for mayor of their midsized town.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Natural gas, which determines 70% to 90% of the cost of producing nitrogen fertilizer, has seen a 20% drop in production due to the war and price increases up to 70%.—
Aya S. Chacar,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Natural gas, which determines 70% to 90% of the cost of producing nitrogen fertilizer, has seen a 20% drop in production due to the war and price increases up to 70%.—
Aya S. Chacar,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While the daily hustle is just beginning for many, evidenced by the amount of foot traffic spotted passing by through the glass windows of the hotel’s restaurant, Jeff Peterson settles in to momentarily enjoy the Hornets’ metamorphosis and enthusiasm engulfing the franchise.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The temperamental Moon settles into your 4th House of Home Improvement, forming a steady trine with Saturn in your 8th House of Intimacy.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
More than ever, most characters’ humanity is up for grabs.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
-
And with the governor's seat and control of the statehouse up for grabs, this year could prove no different.—
Gaby Vinick,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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