CLINCHES Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

clinches 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of clinch

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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clinches

2 of 2

noun

plural of clinch

as in embraces

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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 clinches

Verb

Picture A’ja Wilson making the layup that clinches the gold medal for the United States at next month’s FIBA World Cup. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In a men’s semifinal match, Roger Federer outlasts Juan Martin del Potro in a 19-17 final set and clinches his first Olympic singles medal. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinches

Verb

So Issa decides to bring out the real Paul Baker by inviting over all his bros.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Petitioners can move to gather signatures only if a judge decides that the recall charges meet the legal requirements for the process.

— Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of decides

Noun

In this case, the filings contain screen grabs of text messages and other communications that seem very …lively.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Last season, Green became a mismatch weapon for the Tigers and had seven touchdown grabs — only 2026 first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq caught more touchdowns in 2025 among FBS tight ends.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of grabs

Verb

Rather bizarrely, that means Nvidia is in the hands of the oil market, because the oil market determines inflation and inflation determines Warsh's thinking.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Although vaccination prevents measles, trust determines whether people accept the vaccine.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of determines

Verb

Adebo could see some action against three-receiver sets regardless, depending on what Harbaugh settles with at the slot corner spot.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
As the fiscal reality of these mandates settles in communities across the state, the scramble of local governments to avoid cutting both core and beloved school programs like Outdoor School will become even more frantic.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of settles

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clinchers

clinches

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“Clinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinches. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clinches

verb

noun

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