clinched; clinching; clinches
1
2
a
: to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail)
also
: to treat (a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) in a similar way
b
: to fasten in this way
3
a
: to make final or irrefutable : settle
that clinched the argument
b
: to assure the winning of
scored a touchdown to clinch the game
1
: to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
2
: to hold fast or firmly
Synonyms
Examples of clinch in a Sentence
Verb
His home run clinched the victory.
The new evidence clinches the case.
Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion.
The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague.
If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.
Noun
The referee told the boxers to break their clinch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The Roos had a strong showing in the 2023 playoffs, making the regional semifinals; the team has already clinched a spot in the upcoming UIL bi-district round that commences on May 2.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clinch 
Verb
Huntington Beach 7, Los Alamitos 1: The Oilers clinched the Surf League championship.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The Roos had a strong showing in the 2023 playoffs, making the regional semifinals; the team has already clinched a spot in the upcoming UIL bi-district round that commences on May 2.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clinch
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clinch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to clinch
Dictionary Entries Near clinch
Cite this Entry
“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinch. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clinch
2 of 2 noun1
: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
2
: the clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet
Geographical Definition
Clinch
geographical name
river about 300 miles (480 kilometers) long in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee flowing southwest into the Tennessee River
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share