clinch
4 synonyms for clinch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain.
“The last-minute goal clinched the championship for the home team.”
How to use clinch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clinch the deal
clinch victory
clinch a boxing match
Etymology
A 16th-century respelling of "clench" — originally about hammering a nail flat so it can't work loose, later widened to mean "make firm" or "settle for good."
Full origin of clinch →Frequently asked questions
What does “clinch” mean?
The word “clinch” means to settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain. In plain terms, to make something certain or final, or (in fighting) to grab hold of an opponent to stop them landing blows.
How do you pronounce “clinch”?
“Clinch” is pronounced klihnch (/klɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clinch” in a sentence?
Here is “clinch” used in a sentence: “The last-minute goal clinched the championship for the home team.”
What part of speech is “clinch”?
Depending on how it is used, “clinch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “clinch” come from?
The word “clinch” dates back to around 1500. A 16th-century respelling of "clench" — originally about hammering a nail flat so it can't work loose, later widened to mean "make firm" or "settle for good.".
Is “clinch” a common word?
“Clinch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “clinch” have?
“Clinch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain.
