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
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
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
Verb
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
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
-
Whatever the Supreme Court decides, 82 percent of American adults believe the president must obey the decision.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue — including taxes and tariffs — is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Candidates don’t always honor their party’s endorsement and will sometimes advance to the August primary election, which officially determines the party nominee.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Each agency determines what work is essential or not.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And as that low light settles in, my whole body shifts in spirit.—
Josh Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
After this brief stretch of colder weather, a steady warming trend is expected from Thursday through Sunday as the ridge of high pressure to our west slowly shifts east and settles over Texas.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Grabs, Part 2 Freeskiing has its own glossary of these grabs, including Japan (behind and across to grab opposite ski) and seat belt (imagine putting a seatbelt on, but by bringing the buckle up to grab the latch).—
Joseph Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Republicans hold only a four-vote majority in the House, with political analysts projecting about 20 swing seats up for grabs.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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