pinch 1 of 3

noun

Definition of pinchnext
1
as in theft
an instance of theft the pinch of my favorite sweater really bugged me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pinch

2 of 3

verb

ˈpinch How to pronounce pinch (audio)
1
as in to hold
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

as in extra

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pinch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinch are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

When can contingency be used instead of pinch?

In some situations, the words contingency and pinch are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to pinch?

The meanings of crisis and pinch largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than pinch?

While the synonyms emergency and pinch are close in meaning, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for pinch?

The words exigency and pinch can be used in similar contexts, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When is it sensible to use juncture instead of pinch?

The words juncture and pinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of pinch?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

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 pinch
Noun
To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 Taste and add a pinch or two of salt if needed. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
The sprint to build these sprawling facilities, which hold racks of humming servers powered by expensive processors, has touched off an unprecedented level of borrowing, pinched energy supplies and brought developers into conflict with communities worried about rising power and water costs. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026 The son of an emotionally remote father and penny-pinching mom, Smith was born the eldest of two boys in Tacoma. —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
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
  1. theft
  2. arrest
  3. shortage
  4. hold
  5. steal
  6. grab
  7. save
  8. extra
Noun
  • Owen Masters, 42, of West Bend, is facing two felony theft by contractor counts with an amount between $2,500 and $5,000 and a third felony count with an amount between $10,000 and $100,000, according to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
    — Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Reports of catalytic converter and even taillight thefts are nothing new.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of theft
Noun
  • Jose Hidalgo testified after his arrest.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward, according to State Police.
    — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of arrest
Noun
  • Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.
    — Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Several others were wounded and taken for treatment in Rahad, which faces severe medical supplies shortages like many areas in the Kordofan region, the statement said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of shortage
Verb
  • The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.
    — JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Expect mild redness and a sandpaper-like texture for several days; small sacrifices for a complexion that steals the spotlight.
    — Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Her worries grow when a group of badgers takes over the Rabbit School and steals the Egg.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Similarly, Bad Bunny also stopped at a piraguas cart recreation and briefly grabbed a frozen dessert.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Did Manchester City just save the title race?
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Dave Coulier credited early cancer detection with saving his life – twice.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of save
Adjective
  • For an extra crispy top, turn oven to broil, sprinkle casserole with a little grated Parmesan and broil 5 inches from heat until casserole is bubbling and golden, about 1 minute.
    — Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Arrivals and departures are weather dependent so cushion your flight home with an extra day or two.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of extra

Phrases Containing pinch

Browse Nearby Words

pince-nez
pinch
pinchbeck
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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pinch

Nglish: Translation of pinch for Spanish Speakers

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