CLINCHED Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

clinched

verb

past tense of clinch

as in decided

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute the rain clinched the matter: we would have the party indoors

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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 clinched So, who wowed the judges, floored the crowd and clinched the final, coveted sash? — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 David Hamilton, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell and Christian Yelich had RBI singles for the major league-leading Brewers (82-50), who clinched their sixth straight winning season and ninth in the last 10 years. — CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Leeds were in the Championship and bearing down on a 100-point tally, which clinched the 2024-25 title. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Indiana has clinched a spot in the WNBA playoffs with a 25-14 record. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Golden State clinched its playoff spot with a win against Dallas last Monday. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway, the top 13 spots in the Chase have been clinched, and Bubba Wallace is a virtual lock to advance. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 After two weeks of group matches, Chicago Fire FC and Club León have clinched first place in their respective leagues. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Golden State clinched a playoff berth for the second straight season with a win over Dallas last week, their sixth straight victory. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinched

Verb

While all of the women found their respective moment to shine, no one rose to the occasion quite like Luann de Lesseps, who seemingly decided on her own that Kyle’s white party would be the perfect backdrop for a cabaret performance like none other.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
This family gathering comes just days after it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to formally relocate their residence back to Harry’s homeland.

— Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of decided

Verb

This week, there was a major breakthrough when DNA provided by her sister, Burks, was determined to be a match, enabling investigators to finally identify the 1995 victim as Lydia.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The hospital was run by Louisiana State University, which determined that Katrina left the building too damaged to reopen — an assessment that was disputed by some hospital staff and community members.

— JACK BROOK, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of determined

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clinch

clinched

clincher

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“Clinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinched. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clinched

verb

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