hug vs clinch

hug and clinch both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
hug	Yes	No	Yes	No
clinch	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, hug and clinch are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of hug include squeeze.

As verbs, clinch is a hyponym of hug; that is, clinch is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than hug:

Other hyponyms of hug include cuddle, interlock, lock.

hug (noun)	clinch (noun)
a tight or amorous embrace	(boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
	a tight or amorous embrace
	the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
	a small slip noose made with seizing
	a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together

hug (verb)	clinch (verb)
fit closely or tightly	settle conclusively
hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness	flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
	secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
	hold in a tight grasp
	embrace amorously
	hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches