These verbs have nearly the same meaning, but different uses.
To clinch means to fasten, to grasp, to settle, to nail down, to tighten, to make secure, or to make final. It is most often used to mean to make victory certain:
His last move clinched the game. (made his winning certain)
Her evidence clinched the argument.
Clinch can also be used simply to mean grasp or hold:
The wrestler clinched his opponent tightly.
But this usage is less common.
To clench means “to grasp tightly closed”—usually in reference to parts of the human body; to clench one’s fists and to clench one’s teeth are both clichés for describing anger:
She clenched her fists in anger.
We can also talk about clenching any muscle to describe tensing the muscle tightly.
More Examples of How to Use “Clinch” in a Sentence
- Clinching a victory in the final minutes of a game is one of the most exhilarating experiences in sports.
- The deal was clinched, and we immediately toasted in celebration of our company’s acquisition for a billion dollars!
- The mayoral candidate’s support was beginning to wane, but she clinched enough votes to win.
- Despite clinching the top seed in the playoffs, our team was eliminated in the first round.
- The boxers clinched for nearly the entire fight, even though the referee continually tried to break them apart.
- In order to clinch a deal, both parties need to agree on all the terms.
More Examples of How to Use “Clench” in a Sentence
- We were so close to our first kiss, but then he clenched and said, “We need to talk about this!”
- Jack was practically clenching my hand, just to make sure I was still there.
- Clench your fists for just a moment and then release them, feeling the tension melt away.
- Jill clenched her teeth when the dentist approached.
- Charles clenched his tie when he entered the boardroom, dreading the presentation he was about to deliver.
- She clenched her fists so tightly that her fingernails left marks on her palms.