clinched
Made absolutely certain
Clinched is the past tense of clinch, meaning to secure or settle decisively.
A boxer clinches by holding an opponent close to prevent punches.
You clinch a deal, a victory, or a playoff spot by making the outcome certain: The home run clinched the championship.
A clinched fist is tightly closed, though clenched is more common for that sense.
Tight, affectionate clasp
- holdMaintain in grasp
- graspSeize or understand
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
entwined · wrapped · locked · clasped · grappled · wrestled · lovers · fighters
Defeating an opponent
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- titleFormal honorific or name
- securedMade fast or obtained
decided · sealed · captured · claimed · earned · playoff · pennant · berth
hug
Tight, affectionate clasp
squeeze · entwined · wrapped · locked · clasped · grappled · wrestled · lovers · fighters · boxers
victory
Defeating an opponent
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- titleFormal honorific or name
secured · decided · sealed · captured · claimed · earned · playoff · pennant · berth · knockout
fist
Tightly closed hand
grip · clenched · tensed · tightened · squeezed · clasped · grasped · white-knuckled · balled · contracted
deal
Agreement or distribution
- agreementShared position between parties
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
negotiated · concluded · sealed · ratified · binding · signed · closed · confirmed · locked-in · handshake
clinchedcontested
Argued against, disputed
undecided · uncertain · unresolved · up in the air · unsettled
clinchedreleased
Set free from confinement
loosened · unfastened · loose · unclinched · opened
- clinching gameContest that secures victory
- clinch knotLine-to-hook tie