clincher

noun

clinch·​er ˈklin-chər 

: one that clinches: such as

a

: a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark

the expense was the clincher that persuaded us to give up the enterprise

b

: a tire with flanged beads fitting into the wheel rim

Synonyms of clincher

• factor
• capper
• crusher
• topper
• ace in the hole
• determinant
• coup de grâce

Examples of clincher in a Sentence

the fact that the resort had tennis courts was the clincher in our deciding to stay there

Recent Examples on the Web

This group ended Milwaukee’s 12-game road postseason losing streak since 2018 with the clincher in San Diego, executing nearly flawlessly in the process. — Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

The Phillies’ 6-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the wild-card clincher Thursday night marked their fourth straight year of regression in the postseason since appearing in the 2022 World Series. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The All-Star went 3-for-8 in the series and delivered a pair of key hits in Wednesday’s clincher. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026

The Phillies, though, likely took a loss by pushing the clincher to the 162nd game. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clincher

• pincher

Kids Definition

clincher

noun

clinch·​er ˈklin-chər 

: one that clinches

especially : a decisive fact or argument