CLINCHING Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

clinching

verb

present participle of clinch

as in deciding

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 clinching Perennial contenders despite the payroll constraints, unbothered by their underdog status even after clinching the top seed in the league. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 The collection includes the clubhouse shirt players wore after clinching the NL East, on-field hats featuring the postseason patch and items such as pennants, pins, magnets, keychains and baseballs. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 One day after clinching the AL Central title, the Guardians fielded a makeshift lineup missing several regulars. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 Sean Burke wasn’t too worried about the Chicago White Sox bouncing back after celebrating clinching a playoff spot Thursday. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026 Five of the six teams in the AL have been decided, with Tampa Bay and Cleveland clinching the top two seedings and the first-round bye. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 The Padres tied the Chicago Cubs for the top wild-card spot in the National League at 86-69, a game ahead of Philadelphia, and reduced their magic number for clinching a playoff spot to three. — Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinching

Verb

Atlanta’s rotation got upended during its three-game NL wild-card series win over the Philadelphia Phillies, with the Braves using ace Chris Sale in relief in the deciding game.

— Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
The Braves deployed him Thursday, for the final four outs of the deciding game of the wild-card round.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of deciding

Verb

The organization is helping provide fliers the family can use to canvas the area and will serve as a conduit with law enforcement while determining what other assistance the family needs.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Leaders and teams can then participate in developing practical solutions while the organization establishes clear measures for determining whether those changes are producing a different employee experience.

— Gwen Mdinaradze, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of determining

Verb

Likewise, tipping can make settling up uncomfortable when dining out with friends.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
The company has faced a wave of lawsuits about child safety and data security, most recently settling a major federal case involving a group of state attorneys general for nearly $17 billion.

— Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of settling

Browse Nearby Words

clinches

clinching

cling

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“Clinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinching. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clinching

verb

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