as in deciding
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 clinching
City will have one eye on clinching the FA Cup trophy for the third time in eight years, while Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clashes with Atletico Madrid will take plenty out of them physically and mentally.
—
Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Leading the Padres 8-5 entering the ninth at Coors Field on Thursday afternoon, the Rockies were on the cusp of clinching the three-game series.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Burleson Centennial a threat from District 8-5A Burleson Centennial (19-8, 12-1 District 8-5A) has had a stellar regular season run, clinching a district title.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Such jabs are frequently reserved for a series clinching because, well, the job is done at that point.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026
Two years ago, the Magic earned themselves six days of rest between clinching their spot in the playoffs and Game 1 of Orlando‘s 2024 first-round series against Cleveland.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
But Heat guard Davion Mitchell’s layup was blocked by Miles Bridges, clinching the Hornets’ win.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
The Colorado Avalanche have been dominant since October and go in as the favorite after clinching the best regular-season record in the NHL.
—Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Sinner trimmed Alcaraz’s head-to-head lead to 10-7 in clinching his 27th career title overall and his first Masters title on clay.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Leading the Padres 8-5 entering the ninth at Coors Field on Thursday afternoon, the Rockies were on the cusp of clinching the three-game series.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Burleson Centennial a threat from District 8-5A Burleson Centennial (19-8, 12-1 District 8-5A) has had a stellar regular season run, clinching a district title.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Such jabs are frequently reserved for a series clinching because, well, the job is done at that point.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026
Two years ago, the Magic earned themselves six days of rest between clinching their spot in the playoffs and Game 1 of Orlando‘s 2024 first-round series against Cleveland.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
But Heat guard Davion Mitchell’s layup was blocked by Miles Bridges, clinching the Hornets’ win.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
The Colorado Avalanche have been dominant since October and go in as the favorite after clinching the best regular-season record in the NHL.
—Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Sinner trimmed Alcaraz’s head-to-head lead to 10-7 in clinching his 27th career title overall and his first Masters title on clay.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinching
Verb
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If something feels off, pause, step away, and check the details before deciding.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
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In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This draft class will go a long way toward determining whether Glenn and Mougey stick around beyond 2026.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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So home viewers should make sure to be looking at the streaming listings when determining when to tune in.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Baltimore sues pharmaceutical companies In 208, Baltimore sued several drug makers and pharmaceutical companies, often settling before reaching a trial.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Notify creditors and allow time for claims to be filed before settling debts.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinching. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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