as in decides
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 clinches
Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Bode Miller clinches the men’s overall World Cup ski title.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
With the win, Japan clinches the top seed out of their home pool.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
But Gophers coach Bob Motzko noted his team doesn’t want to be on the ice when any opponent clinches a conference crown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
But what really clinches him as a great choice to round out the trio is his genuine enthusiasm and on-camera attitude.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Here, glycerin clinches the starring role, preventing moisture evaporation; it’s joined by supporting actor hyaluronic acid, whose specialty is all things fine lines (and their prompt erasure).
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
San Fran clinches playoff ticket with win or a loss by Lions.
—Greg Cote
december 18, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Denver clinches the division title with a win and a Chargers’ loss or a tie and a Chargers loss.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
Los Angeles clinches the Pacific Division title and playoff berth with a win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, and if the Phoenix Suns fall to the Memphis Grizzlies.
—Matthew Davis, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Bode Miller clinches the men’s overall World Cup ski title.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
With the win, Japan clinches the top seed out of their home pool.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
But Gophers coach Bob Motzko noted his team doesn’t want to be on the ice when any opponent clinches a conference crown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
But what really clinches him as a great choice to round out the trio is his genuine enthusiasm and on-camera attitude.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Here, glycerin clinches the starring role, preventing moisture evaporation; it’s joined by supporting actor hyaluronic acid, whose specialty is all things fine lines (and their prompt erasure).
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
San Fran clinches playoff ticket with win or a loss by Lions.
—Greg Cote
december 18, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Denver clinches the division title with a win and a Chargers’ loss or a tie and a Chargers loss.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
Verb
-
That supervisor, alone, decides where elders will go.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
There is no defeat quite like sitting down for a gaming session after a 10-hour workday, hoping to get your woes out by winning some battles, but your ancient monitor decides to act up.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Smith, the Baylor Scott & White spokeswoman, said the hospital determines financial assistance eligibility when a patient applies for it.—
Gretchen Morgenson,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
-
And when that happens, timing—not just direction—determines the outcome.—
byDoug Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And always vacuum up the dust that settles on the floor afterwards.—
Sunshine Flint,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Once this bet settles within 30 days, your $365 in bonus bets will be credited automatically.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ciere Boatright, Johnson’s Department of Planning and Development commissioner, said the up-for-grabs inventory is the largest since the vacant lot sale program began in 2022.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
By the tournament’s final night, one spot remained up for grabs.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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