1
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
an innocent person caught up in a city-wide pinch of drug dealers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
this labor pinch means that there'll be long lines at the checkouts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
pinched the earrings while the boutique owner was distracted by another customer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
pinched the purse snatcher just two blocks from where he had robbed the old lady
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4
as in to save
to avoid unnecessary waste or expense
if we pinch hard for the upcoming year, we can probably afford the vacation at that fancy resort
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as in extra
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pinch
Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
That game-changing speed was on display in just his second major league game when he was deployed as a ninth-inning pinch runner with a one-run deficit against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Ben Coxworth
may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2025
Miss Bohun pinches pennies by turning the heat down in the winter and feeding her lodgers bean mash.
—The Know, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
Sprinkle the oil, lime juice and a pinch of salt over the leaves.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
That game-changing speed was on display in just his second major league game when he was deployed as a ninth-inning pinch runner with a one-run deficit against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
So yeah, the risk of getting scratched, bruised or pinched is real.
—Ben Coxworth
may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2025
Miss Bohun pinches pennies by turning the heat down in the winter and feeding her lodgers bean mash.
—The Know, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Adjective
Pinch runner Tony Kemp was then stranded at third, emblematic of Oakland’s offensive frustrations, as Ramón Laureano struck out, Canha walked, Olson popped up and pinch-hitter Robbie Grossman struck out against Casey Sadler.
—Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
-
In addition to such legal setbacks, associations can also be forced into bankruptcy by significant financial mismanagement or theft, uncovered property damage, high rates of owner delinquencies, and the costs associated with inspections and repairs.—
Michael L. Hyman,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
-
Police took the suspect into custody and charged him with burglary and theft.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Cunningham was taken into custody in Florida after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a May 24 incident in Harrison County, Miss., per The Independent.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
8 June 2025
-
He was released on bond not long after his arrest and isn’t required to wear an ankle monitor.—
Charles Rabin,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Korn Ferry predicts a global shortage of up to 85 million tech workers by 2030.—
Kolawole Samuel Adebayo,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
It is well established that Connecticut has long grappled with severe shortages in its affordable housing supply.—
Jamie Kennedy,
Hartford Courant,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
About 20 protesters stood at the entrance wearing shirts and holding signs with Christian messaging.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
9 June 2025
-
Qasem Hassan held her hand, which was trembling, and wrote out a prescription for her.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
This image from Japan catches a White-Tailed Sea Eagle hiding a fish in a hole as another eagle was approaching to steal it.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Even with Yarbrough allowing eight runs, the Yankees still had a chance to steal a win Saturday night.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Appeal To All Five Senses People still like going out, meeting others and grabbing coffee.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Scott grabbed some pizza and returned to park her Subaru near the West Shore Market to wait for Serafini.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Molly saves the day, grabbing a teapot from a closet, where she’s been saving a secret stash of cash.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
-
On the plus side, Hershel finally perfected his knife-throwing just in time to save mom Maggie from becoming Grizzly Chow.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
-
Still, there have been pockets of high-profile clashes with police in Los Angeles, leading California Gov. Gavin Newsom to bring in extra state resources and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to impose a curfew.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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