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
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
The venue, home to the NBA's New York Knicks, could also be the site of an impromptu championship celebration if the team clinches the NBA Finals.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Whether the team clinches the title or not, this piece of merch has cemented its place in the city's style canon for 2026.
—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Or, no, that is Jeremy Strong, because Strong is simply too recognizable to physically disappear into the role of Zuckerberg, but the voice clinches it.
—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Today’s top stories Nithya Raman clinches second Karen Bass has already secured a spot in the November election.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
San Jose landing a Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise clinches an upgrade for the Bay Area after a pair of high-profile pro sports departures from the region.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Ngannou exchanged strikes and clinches with Lins before finishing the Brazilian with a sweeping left hand to the head in the final minute of the first round.
—
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Heat clinches winning record In moving to 42-39, Miami won for only the fourth time in its past 14 games and assured itself of a winning record for the 19th time in 26 seasons this century.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
If its price retreats from these incredible heights by before SpaceX clinches the deal, that number will rise.
—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
The venue, home to the NBA's New York Knicks, could also be the site of an impromptu championship celebration if the team clinches the NBA Finals.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Whether the team clinches the title or not, this piece of merch has cemented its place in the city's style canon for 2026.
—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Or, no, that is Jeremy Strong, because Strong is simply too recognizable to physically disappear into the role of Zuckerberg, but the voice clinches it.
—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Today’s top stories Nithya Raman clinches second Karen Bass has already secured a spot in the November election.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
San Jose landing a Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise clinches an upgrade for the Bay Area after a pair of high-profile pro sports departures from the region.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Ngannou exchanged strikes and clinches with Lins before finishing the Brazilian with a sweeping left hand to the head in the final minute of the first round.
—
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Heat clinches winning record In moving to 42-39, Miami won for only the fourth time in its past 14 games and assured itself of a winning record for the 19th time in 26 seasons this century.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches
Verb
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Michelle, who is smarting from Jesse and Lacy’s visible affection, decides to go full Coyote Ugly on the bar.
-
If a corporation decides to pursue innovation outsourcing, a key consideration is to be transparent with your VC partner.
Noun
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NBCUniversal could be up for grabs by 2029 — a pivotal year when the NFL is expected to open negotiations for a new round of broadcast rights.
-
Chefs will keep the lounge’s location in mind, whipping up local specialties, while a hot and cold buffet station is always up for grabs.
Verb
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This is where the fine print that determines your actual outcome gets written.
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Tarrant County Medical Examiner and Death Certificate Records The Tarrant County Medical Examiner handles identification of the deceased and determines the official cause and manner of death.
Verb
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Choose a soothing activity, maybe watercolor, music, cooking, or a quiet walk, and give it your full attention so your spirit settles.
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Merchants pay interchange on card payments and hold working balances that earn them nothing, and a coin that settles instantly, costs less to accept and, under Open USD’s model, pays them the yield on their balances answers both at once.
Cite this Entry
“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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