as in ensured
to make sure, certain, or safe
the team's latest victory cinches a trip to the play-offs
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Recent Examples of cinched
Oversized belts cinched over trenches, trousers, and skirts made a strong showing on the Max Mara Fall/Winter 2025/2026 runway in Milan–a clear signal that bold belting is back and ready to elevate everyday styling.
—
Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
The sleeveless top featured a high neck and was cinched by a black belt, and the skirt was midi length.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
The base of her deep V-neckline was cinched with a cross embellishment, which was then replicated on her necklace with several more crosses varying in size.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Later iterations of the jacket added a hood, internal pockets for personal belongings, and a drawstring that cinched the bottom hem to create a more all-encompassing space.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Avoid storing covers directly on wet surfaces, check them periodically for rodent activity, and ensure covers aren’t over-cinched, which can restrict airflow and trap moisture.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
The pop star, beauty mogul, and recent mom of three stepped out in Hollywood yesterday wearing an oversized camel trench coat cinched at the waist with a Celine chain belt, a red and gold silk Hermés scarf worn like a cravat, and towering wooden and leather platform stilettos.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
The hotel, which cinched a Michelin Key this year, has 65 rooms and suites that skillfully combine historic Victorian style with modern touches.
—Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
The sleeveless top featured a high neck and was cinched by a black belt, and the skirt was midi length.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
The base of her deep V-neckline was cinched with a cross embellishment, which was then replicated on her necklace with several more crosses varying in size.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Later iterations of the jacket added a hood, internal pockets for personal belongings, and a drawstring that cinched the bottom hem to create a more all-encompassing space.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Avoid storing covers directly on wet surfaces, check them periodically for rodent activity, and ensure covers aren’t over-cinched, which can restrict airflow and trap moisture.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
The pop star, beauty mogul, and recent mom of three stepped out in Hollywood yesterday wearing an oversized camel trench coat cinched at the waist with a Celine chain belt, a red and gold silk Hermés scarf worn like a cravat, and towering wooden and leather platform stilettos.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
The hotel, which cinched a Michelin Key this year, has 65 rooms and suites that skillfully combine historic Victorian style with modern touches.
—Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cinched
Verb
-
Chrissy’s unwavering support ensured that her nephew remained insulated in love, a gift that her sister acknowledges by sending her Mother’s Day cards every May.—
Ashley Simpo,
Parents,
30 Jan. 2026
-
This preservation is ensured through strict weavers’ guild regulations, a vigilant (both positive and negative) neighborliness, and careful resource management.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And rest assured, this isn’t Oprah’s first love from Mali + Lili.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As of Friday afternoon, the return of Peterson was presumed but not assured.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This is not guaranteed, certainly, but is perhaps more likely to happen than further governmental action.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Amazon Prime offers a wide selection of sad movies, catering to various tastes, from sorrowful classics like Bicycle Thieves (1948) to heartbreaking modern dramas like Till (2022), each guaranteed to get your tear ducts working overtime.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The home the woman was in was secured, and the homicide unit was informed, police said.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cinched. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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