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Meaning & use

clinched

verb·Advanced

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UK/klɪntʃt/
US/klɪntʃt/

“clinched” is a form of “clinch”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    won or settled something important after a long effort or competition.

    Grammar: Takes an object: clinch a deal, clinch the victory.

    Patterns

    • clinch a deal
    • clinch a victory
    • clinch a playoff spot

    The team clinched a place in the final with a late goal.

    After months of talks, they finally clinched the agreement.

    She clinched the championship by winning the last race.

  2. verbtransitive

    made something certain or final; confirmed a result.

    Grammar: Often used with words like 'victory', 'deal', or 'nomination'.

    Patterns

    • clinch the nomination
    • clinch the title

    His speech clinched the nomination for him.

    The final point clinched the match for her.

  3. verbtransitivetechnical

    fastened or secured something tightly, especially with a nail or bolt.

    Grammar: Used for physical fastening, often with 'together' or 'down'.

    Patterns

    • clinch a nail
    • clinch something together

    He clinched the boards together with heavy nails.

    The metal plates were clinched to the frame.

Word forms

third person singularclinches
past tenseclinched
past participleclinched
-ing formclinching

Common combinations

clinch a deal
The two companies clinched a deal worth millions.
clinch the victory
A last-minute goal clinched the victory for them.
clinch the nomination
The candidate clinched the nomination after the final primary.
clinch a playoff spot
They need one more win to clinch a playoff spot.

Synonyms and how they differ

secure
Secure is more formal and often means 'obtain' or 'make safe'; clinch emphasizes final success after effort.
settle
Settle means 'resolve' and is used for agreements or arguments; clinch is more about winning or finalizing a victory.
seal
Seal means 'make definite' and is often used with 'deal' or 'victory'; clinch is similar but more common in sports.

Opposites

loseforfeit

Word family

clinch noun
A tight hold in boxing or wrestling.
clincher noun
A fact or argument that settles something.

Commonly confused: clinched or clench?

clinched vs clench

Clench means 'close tightly', often used for fists or teeth; clinch means 'win or settle' or 'fasten'.

Practice

The team ___ a spot in the finals with a 3-1 win.

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