Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb clinch

6 senses of clinch

Sense 1
clinch -- (secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts; "The girder was clinched into the wall")
       => fasten, fix, secure -- (cause to be firmly attached; "fasten the lock onto the door"; "she fixed her gaze on the man")

Sense 2
clinch -- (hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches)
       => hold, take hold -- (have or hold in one's hands or grip; "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"; "A crazy idea took hold of him")

Sense 3
clench, clinch -- (hold in a tight grasp; "clench a steering wheel")
       => seize, prehend, clutch -- (take hold of; grab; "The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals")

Sense 4
clinch -- (embrace amorously)
       => embrace, hug, bosom, squeeze -- (squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness; "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her close to him")

Sense 5
clinch -- (flatten the ends (of nails and rivets); "the nails were clinched")
       => fasten, fix, secure -- (cause to be firmly attached; "fasten the lock onto the door"; "she fixed her gaze on the man")

Sense 6
clinch -- (settle conclusively; "clinch a deal")
       => settle, square off, square up, determine -- (settle conclusively; come to terms; "We finally settled the argument")

Antonyms of adj clinched

1 sense of clinched

Sense 1
clenched, clinched -- (closed or squeezed together tightly; "a clenched fist"; "his clenched (or clinched) teeth")

INDIRECT (VIA tight) -> loose -- (not tight; not closely constrained or constricted or constricting; "loose clothing"; "the large shoes were very loose")

Similarity of adj clinched

1 sense of clinched

Sense 1
clenched, clinched -- (closed or squeezed together tightly; "a clenched fist"; "his clenched (or clinched) teeth")
       => tight (vs. loose) -- (closely constrained or constricted or constricting; "tight skirts"; "he hated tight starched collars"; "fingers closed in a tight fist"; "a tight feeling in his chest")