clincher

[klin-cher] / ˈklɪn tʃər /

NOUN

settling event

Synonyms

STRONG

closer culmination deathblow finisher

WEAK

capper coup de grâce crowning blow deciding moment finishing touch

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The AI race could well be the clincher.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Then again, Walker Buehler wasn’t part of the Dodgers’ plans for their World Series clincher last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

The clincher will be when they catch one of the perpetrators and get him to explain why he did it.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

Then he delivers the clincher line in English while flourishing a finger-heart: “I like . . . you.”

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025

That was the clincher right there, 99 percent of what you needed to know.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover