clinch 1 of 2

verb

ˈklinch How to pronounce clinch (audio)
Definition of clinchnext
as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clinch

2 of 2

noun

as in hug

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 clinch
Verb
Another boisterous ovation came after Williams clinched a tiebreaker to win the second set. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 And interestingly, every goal that clinched a trophy at one of the four key soccer tournaments came in a control or heritage boot. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
Noun
Pocket exchanges, dirty boxing in the clinch and consistent pressure to the body added up faster than Diaz's volume could compensate for, and a cut over Diaz's right eye opened up early in Round 1. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 As Red Sox players straggled into their clubhouse to prepare the afternoon’s game, the atmosphere was both triumphant and, by their manager’s own admission, feeling the after-effects of Friday night’s clinch celebrations. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinch
  1. decide
  2. hug
  3. settle
  4. embrace
  5. determine
  6. foothold
  7. grab
  8. footing
Verb
  • Both Swift and Kelce decided to forgo bridesmaids and groomsmen, per a statement shared with People.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Later, Swift revealed that she was charmed by Kelce’s willingness to court her so publicly and decided to give him a chance.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of decide
Noun
  • Riles’s employees—his teammates—pile onto him in one big hug.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • The Internet basically exploded over the moment, which included a Travis/Donna Kelce hug and a meaningful moment with Jason Kelce.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Gendron said his ancestors were among the first outsiders to settle the island in the 1700s, when three brothers, fur traders all, left Canada and followed the Mississippi south.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The space is cozy and laid back, with an atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in for a drink or two.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of settle
Noun
  • The couple embrace on a leather armchair somewhere in the home in this 1969 snap.
    — Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
  • Today, the country’s embrace of the technology is evidenced by the ubiquity of robots.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • Readiness is an ongoing practice, not a declaration, determined by daily interactions and the safety to be candid.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Investigators later determined the teen had distant family members in Colorado.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of determine
Noun
  • As millions of Venezuelan refugees moved through Latin America, Tren de Aragua established criminal footholds along migration corridors, extending its reach into Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and eventually the United States.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Rare artifacts, detailed maps and personal stories walk visitors through a time when control of Fort Pitt meant control of the West, giving colonists a crucial foothold in the struggle against British rule.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of foothold
Noun
  • Both teams’ stars came to play with top spot in Group K up for grabs, with the flair and technical quality on display making for a compelling watch with sweeping moves and 37 shots.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • In a battle of contrasting styles, Colombia takes on Ghana with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of grab
Noun
  • That’s been evident to ACHD since 2017, when high water tore through the base of the bridge and damaged its footings, requiring emergency repairs and riprap.
    — Mark Dee July 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • Gunn and Gillespie had creative differences over the direction of the movie, numerous sources tell The Hollywood Reporter, and the film never found its footing in the post-production process.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Definition of footing

Browse Nearby Words

climes
clinch
clinched
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Cite this Entry

“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clinch

Nglish: Translation of clinch for Spanish Speakers

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