clinches 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of clinch
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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clinches

2 of 2

noun

plural of clinch
as in embraces

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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 clinches
Verb
In a men’s semifinal match, Roger Federer outlasts Juan Martin del Potro in a 19-17 final set and clinches his first Olympic singles medal. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 If its price retreats from these incredible heights by before SpaceX clinches the deal, that number will rise. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026 The venue, home to the NBA's New York Knicks, could also be the site of an impromptu championship celebration if the team clinches the NBA Finals. — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 13 June 2026 Whether the team clinches the title or not, this piece of merch has cemented its place in the city's style canon for 2026. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Or, no, that is Jeremy Strong, because Strong is simply too recognizable to physically disappear into the role of Zuckerberg, but the voice clinches it. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 June 2026 San Jose landing a Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise clinches an upgrade for the Bay Area after a pair of high-profile pro sports departures from the region. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 Ngannou exchanged strikes and clinches with Lins before finishing the Brazilian with a sweeping left hand to the head in the final minute of the first round. — ABC News, 16 May 2026 Heat clinches winning record In moving to 42-39, Miami won for only the fourth time in its past 14 games and assured itself of a winning record for the 19th time in 26 seasons this century. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
  1. decides
  2. grabs
  3. determines
  4. settles
Verb
  • That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Whatever the judge ultimately decides, the case will continue on copyright claims involving allegedly unauthorized samples of sound recordings owned by the plaintiffs.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of decides
Noun
  • For the first time, all 21 seats on the Board of Education are up for grabs.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The head-to-head deadlock will be broken Thursday night with the Canadian Open title up for grabs.
    — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of grabs
Verb
  • Experience may open the door, but character is often what determines how far someone ultimately goes.
    — Hao Lam, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The statute of limitations determines how long a debt collector generally has to sue you over a debt, and the timeline varies by state and type of debt.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of determines
Verb
  • The Russia and Ukraine conflict grinds into a fifth year; a new Fed chair settles in while tariff policy whipsaws through the courts; tensions with allies and adversaries alike continue to flare.
    — Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The deal settles any claims over Suno’s prior use of BMG’s music in training data.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of settles

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clinchers
clinches
clinching
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Cite this Entry

“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clinches

Nglish: Translation of clinches for Spanish Speakers

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