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
Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
The win clinches the team’s berth in the World Series, but its opponent has not been decided.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2025
Dow clinches record high The Dow on Friday clinched its first closing record high of the year.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
The winner of this game clinches a share of the league championship.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
The win clinches the team’s berth in the World Series, but its opponent has not been decided.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2025
Dow clinches record high The Dow on Friday clinched its first closing record high of the year.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
Verb
-
Major carriers are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge — or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The story follows the complications that arise in female friendships when one of the characters decides to pose for a high school photography project.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The most important factor that determines whether a residential building will be built is the ability to access capital.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The student is an English language learner who has received services for less than two years, and a group of the student’s school educators determines that promotion is appropriate.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Boise and Treasure Valley residents have a chance to enjoy a beautiful fall Friday before a cold front bringing rainy weather and gusty winds settles into Southwest Idaho starting Saturday morning.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But slowly, the truth settles in.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In Eastpointe, where two city council seats were up for grabs, one of two councilmembers lost a reelection bid to a newcomer for the four-year seat, according to unofficial results.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Some 70 timepieces are up for grabs, with many not seen in several decades.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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