Clinch and Clench | Words Confused

These words are often confused.

Clench

To clench is to hold tightly or grasp firmly.

• The boy clenched his fists in anger.
• The patient clenched the arms of his wheel chair.

Common expressions with clench are: clench one’s teeth, clench one’s fist, clench onto a rope etc.

Clinch

To clinch is to win, secure or obtain.

• The player clinched the trophy with a fantastic performance.
• He clinched the deal with a handshake.