clinched; clinching; clinches
1
2
a
: to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail)
also
: to treat (a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) in a similar way
b
: to fasten in this way
3
a
: to make final or irrefutable : settle
that clinched the argument
b
: to assure the winning of
scored a touchdown to clinch the game
1
: to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
2
: to hold fast or firmly
Examples of clinch in a Sentence
His home run clinched the victory.
The new evidence clinches the case.
Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion.
The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague.
If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.
Recent Examples on the Web
The University of Georgia's baseball team is going back to Omaha for the first time since 2008 after surviving a wild 11-9, extra-innings win over Mississippi State on Sunday to clinch the Athens Super Regional and punch its ticket to the Men's College World Series.
—
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Patrick Kane scored his third goal of the game, assisted by Jonathan Toews, in double overtime to clinch the Western Conference title for the Blackhawks over the defending champion Los Angeles Kings.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
His team was on the cusp of clinching its first NCAA berth in a decade, just as its new stadium was finally rounding into form.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Georgia swept its super regional series against Mississippi State, clinching a CWS berth Sunday.
—Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clinch
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.
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Patrick Kane scored his third goal of the game, assisted by Jonathan Toews, in double overtime to clinch the Western Conference title for the Blackhawks over the defending champion Los Angeles Kings.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
His team was on the cusp of clinching its first NCAA berth in a decade, just as its new stadium was finally rounding into form.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Georgia swept its super regional series against Mississippi State, clinching a CWS berth Sunday.
—Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinch. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clinch
2 of 2 noun1
: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
2
: the clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
