as in aces in the hole
something (as a fact or argument) that is decisive or overwhelming
the fact that the resort had tennis courts was the clincher in our deciding to stay there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of clinchers
Daytona will always be big, as will championship clinchers.
—
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Manager Rob Thomson punctuated the Phillies' postseason clinchers over the years with a call-and-response in the clubhouse, asking Realmuto how many more wins were needed to win the World Series.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Four games, all of them potential Division Series clinchers … on the same day?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Manager Rob Thomson punctuated the Phillies' postseason clinchers over the years with a call-and-response in the clubhouse, asking Realmuto how many more wins were needed to win the World Series.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Four games, all of them potential Division Series clinchers … on the same day?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinchers
Noun
-
Plus, common violet leaves and blooms are edible and make intriguing salad toppers for anyone who’s interested in backyard foraging.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
12 May 2026
-
Wide release indies rounded out box office toppers at 8th, 9th and 10th place, according to Comscore, all in week 2.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
But regulation losses … those are the crushers.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
14 Dec. 2025
-
Beijing's stockpiling Chinese processors of raw soybeans, also known as crushers, pig farmers and feed producers have built up inventories that exceed typical levels, while state reserves have added further cushion.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
17 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There is a high probability that following the team regularly will lead to securing tickets via ballots — but only the top cappers have guarantees.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
But unlike other series cappers, Last Rites didn’t try to be a summation of every demonic threat the duo has ever encountered, instead opting for another familial story by way of 1986’s Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Of all the factors that could sway Giannis, with all due respect to Bam, the respect element likely is not at the top of the list.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
Eligibility depends on factors like employment status, retirement, and financial independence, and applicants must also hold a long-term stay visa.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
In my own research on Ebola, SARS and MERS, my colleagues and I have shown that the speed at which infected people are identified and removed from the community is one of the strongest determinants of outbreak size.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
Some count ratings or awards as determinants of quality, while count changes to policy and laws or special commissions of inquiry.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinchers. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
