1
as in step
a very small distance or degree
give them an inch, and they'll take a mile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inch
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
Plans call for the installation of 500 microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) systems capable of producing 2-inch to 4-inch single-crystal diamond wafers.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Argentina and Spain are riding high after dominant World Cup performances, inching them closer to the tournament’s knockout stage.
—
Camila Grigera Naón,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Noun
Transfer mixture to a 9-inch pie plate, and firmly press in bottom and up sides.
—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
Plans call for the installation of 500 microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) systems capable of producing 2-inch to 4-inch single-crystal diamond wafers.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
Verb
Turning to larger athletic shoe players, prospects are mixed as smaller competitors inch ahead.
—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Argentina and Spain are riding high after dominant World Cup performances, inching them closer to the tournament’s knockout stage.
—
Camila Grigera Naón,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
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The hotel stands just steps from the historic French Quarter, undoubtedly one of the first stops on any traveler’s itinerary.
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But the increasing tanker traffic is an encouraging step toward normalization of global oil flows.
Noun
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What time will each band go on, and how many stages will there be?
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The Aspiron Canister Vacuum is designed with a powerful brushless motor, three-stage filtration system, and large dust cup that keeps shoppers from having to constantly empty it.
Noun
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The new boat actively stabilizes its ride height, roll, and pitch to minimize deck motion, ensuring safe pilot transfers even at high speeds.
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Raise mowing height during dry spells to promote deeper roots and conserve soil moisture.
Verb
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As convenience store formats encroach on grocery and superstore territory in both size and assortment, chains need to consider how to maximize their popularity without creating excessive additional competition.
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Ditching a 90-year-old decision, the court said restrictions Congress placed on a president’s ability to remove members of independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission encroached on presidential power.
Verb
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But as the days dragged on, headlines about power outages and water shortages took a back seat to a far more gruesome and horrific reality.
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Compounding concerns, California officials say the Department of Transportation is dragging its feet.
Noun
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As he was wheeled away to a waiting ambulance, Gil wore an oxygen mask and neck brace, and his face showed bruising.
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Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.
Noun
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On Thursday, the star and producer revealed that production has commenced on Fast Forever, which is set for a March 17, 2028 premiere, the 11th and final chapter in the $7 billion action franchise that launched with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious.
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Either way, Reyes didn't spend long with San Diego's organization, and the release closes another chapter in a long and persistent career.
Verb
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So, while the Dodgers crawled out of the hole with a season-high 17 hits, the steep cost heightens the pressure on the rest of the rotation the rest of the series.
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The Germans were crawling as far as the street, dashing across the asphalt, then leaping into the second trench.
Cite this Entry
“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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