as in to decide
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 clinch
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The Eagles were just one out away from clinching a spot in the CIF-SS Division 6 championship game, but the tying run was also just 90 feet away from scoring.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 27 May 2025
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Enter, the clinch cover: book jackets featuring a couple in a passionate embrace.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Verb
Although Minnesota has clinched more Western Conference finals berths in the last two seasons (well, two) than its 34 years of existence, most of the Timberwolves’ series against the Thunder showed the gap between the franchises.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The Eagles were just one out away from clinching a spot in the CIF-SS Division 6 championship game, but the tying run was also just 90 feet away from scoring.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 27 May 2025
Noun
Ramirez needs to stay active and not accept the clinch of his opponent.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Enter, the clinch cover: book jackets featuring a couple in a passionate embrace.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
Verb
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Across the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) frontline, according to analysts, the Ukrainian military has to decide which areas are under greatest threat, where to withdraw, how to redeploy – even as many brigades are seriously under-strength more than three years after the Russian invasion.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
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As mentioned above, there are myriad factors—international transportation bottlenecks, natural disasters and supplier insolvency, among others—that need to be considered simultaneously in real time to decide what’s best for the business.—
Sadagopan S,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Ratcliffe gave his head coach a hug and then left the pitch as the last United representative to depart, even behind Leny Yoro, who had been circling the penalty area on his own, unable to look at Tottenham’s trophy lift.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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The soft, breathable fabric hugs your hands like a second skin, offering just the right amount of stretch and airflow to keep things cool and comfy.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Whether the next superintendent comes from the city or the district is significant because whoever takes over will immediately face an uphill battle in settling the books for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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Like so many freshman comedies in the streaming age, the first season just doesn’t have enough episodes to settle into a comfortable rhythm.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The bitcoin price has rocketed over the last two years, turbo-charged by Wall Street adoption led by the world’s largest asset manager BlackRock and then U.S. president Donald Trump’s embrace of the technology (with Elon Musk quietly plotting what could be a bitcoin price game-changer).—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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The starkest example is the embrace of a revisionist telling of the Capitol riots that plays down the violence that Biden-era Justice Department officials labeled as domestic terrorism.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Wakanda Forever, the show follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a young genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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But as college sports hurtles toward revenue-sharing and a new era of athlete compensation, the faculty’s traditionally modest foothold is all but gone.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
29 May 2025
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Rhode launched in 2022, quickly gaining a foothold with Gen Z through its skincare, lip balms, and viral phone case.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Another coveted timepiece up for grabs is a Ref. 2524, of which fewer than 50 examples were made.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
22 May 2025
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The bottom line: the Dolphins’ starting cornerback position is up for grabs.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Bellinger, who won an MVP Award with the Dodgers in 2019, has found his footing after a rocky start, hitting .318 with five homers and 16 RBI this month.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
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The lack of consistency in testing players' drivers and putters puts things on an unequal footing.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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