Clinch
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 29, 2026
Stuck on the clue Clinch from the New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026? We have the correct 3-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Clinch (3)
Answer
The answer to Clinch is Ice (3 letters).
Why does Ice fit this clue?
This clue uses slang terminology where 'Clinch' means to secure or finalize something, pointing to ICE as a slang verb meaning to guarantee or make certain. Ice means frozen water in its solid state, formed when water temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In informal usage, 'ice' means to clinch or seal a deal, victory, or outcome with certainty. This slang sense likely comes from the idea that something iced is preserved and locked in place, just as clinching something secures it definitively.
What does Clinch mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
clinch
verb
•to secure or settle definitively
•to hold tightly in boxing or wrestling
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 116-down in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026, by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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What does Ice mean?
noun
•Water in frozen (solid) form.
•Any frozen volatile chemical, such as ammonia or carbon dioxide.
verb
•To cool with ice, as a beverage.
•To become ice; to freeze.
Origin of the word Ice
•origin: Proto-Germanic *isaz
•period: Old English
The word 'ice' has remained remarkably stable across Germanic languages for over a millennium, with Old English 'īs' being nearly identical to modern English despite the dramatic changes most words underwent during the Norman conquest.
How to use Ice in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Ice.
•“The team managed to ice the championship with a goal in the final minute.”
•“She put ice in her drink to keep it cold on the hot summer day.”
•“The sidewalk was covered in ice, making it dangerous to walk.”
What are other crossword clues for Ice?
and 7 more clues with the same answer
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 29, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026 titled “Roundabouts” was published by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg and has 140 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Clinch
- What is the answer to Clinch?
- The answer is Ice (3 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Clinch have?
- The answer has 3 letters: Ice.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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