inch 1 of 2

1
2
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking inch by inch, we're making progress toward our fund-raising goal

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in height
inches plural the distance of something or someone from bottom to top made the most of her inches by standing on her tiptoes to reach the top shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

inch

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to encroach
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits every year the water inches further up the embankments, threatening to permanently engulf the island city

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2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inch
Noun
Police moved to arrest the teen and found a 7-inch Bowie-style hunting knife in his waistband, according to the report. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025 Lady beetles can fit through openings as small as 1/8 inch in size. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Dolphins trailed 12-0 but inched within 15-14 at halftime. Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 Republican Jack Ciattarelli has inched closer to Democratic opponent Representative Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey's gubernatorial race, with a new poll showing a statistical dead heat ahead of the November election. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
  • Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle takes it one step further, creating a paddle brush that’s delicate enough for thinning and damaged strands.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The intermediate stage is known as ENSO-Neutral, when neither La Niña nor El Niño are present.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, fans saw Gilmore Girls alums Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel also reunite on the stage at the Emmys to present an award.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And this does bode well for interior roominess, which is quite accommodating up front for a variety of heights and body types—plus tremendously comfortable standard sport bucket seats with excellent bolstering.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • In honor of national wellness week, a beauty writer shares how learning to set boundaries took his self-care and wellness practices to new heights.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And despite the encroaching waves, which nibbled more of our NewFarms every month.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, vague references to a second Civil War invoke our current reality, with its stark ideological divides, encroaching political violence, and calls for retribution that have only escalated in recent days.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Any resulting court case within the Defense Department's own legal system could result in counter lawsuits, which could drag on for months.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Need to know Nvidia probe drags on.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the Japanese treat both in formula and texture, the Iota Supermochi Body Exfoliator+ contains soothing sweet rice water and exfoliating red bean extract—alongside ingredients like lactic acid, sea salt, and urea—to gently resurface your skin from the neck down.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Winter Wools Nothing feels sharper or warmer than a funnel-neck coat made of warm wool.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The organization netted $85 million in annual revenue last year, reaching 3,350 chapters (850 college, 2,500 high school), and 700,000 members.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk was fatally shot last week while addressing an event hosted by the Turning Point chapter at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
    Stepheny Price , Ashley Papa , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There’s tunnels to crawl through, regular live performances from Quixotic that synchronize with the experience, and a functioning 240-seat theater that plans to host film festivals.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Some coast with healthy double-digit conversion rates, while others crawl along at 5% or 6%.
    Jon Stojan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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