pinch 1 of 3

pinch

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to hold
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

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
Put all five fingertips together on one hand, as if grabbing a pinch of salt. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 Season with a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth and flavor. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
For the bottom filter, access it by pinching the section where the body of the hair dryer meets its cord — twisting and pulling down. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025 As a result, the green transition has been losing favor with voters—many of whom are feeling pinched by the rising cost of living. Simmone Shah, TIME, 21 Feb. 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
  • Although Thailand is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, theft is not uncommon.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • With stowaway straps, this dual-purpose duffel doubles as a backpack, and the main compartment is lockable to prevent in-flight theft.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that arrests along the United States' border with Mexico hit a record low of just over 8,300 in February, but official data is yet to be released.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article Multiple people were injured when a fight broke out at a youth basketball game in Waterford on Sunday, leading to three arrests.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There's a regional shortage of crossing guards, leading to school safety concerns, but D.C. officials say there's another obstacle: mandatory drug tests, which 43% of applicants fail.
    Anna Spiegel, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This makes access easier to those who had relied on compounding pharmacies like Hims & Hers while there was a shortage of the drug.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The show has been held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live every year since 2013 (except for a virtual show in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic).
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Democrats lodged protests throughout the evening, with one member getting kicked out and others holding signs in silent opposition.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While its interior artfully blends mid-century aesthetics with a modern Scandinavian feel, the food and beverage program truly steals the spotlight.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • While the competitive spirt was certainly alive and well between co-parents Tarek, Heather and Christina throughout the season, another personal crisis unexpectedly stole the show: Christina's split from Josh.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tari Eason scored 14 points and Dillon Brooks added 12. Sabonis’ injury Sabonis grabbed his left hamstring while running the floor just over a minute into the game.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Lozano exited the match in the 28th minute after appearing to grab his left hamstring.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Find even more tech deals at Walmart today, and keep on saving!
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In addition, remote workers and people who are looking to save money have found benefits and freedom while living in a van.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Campbell and Potgieter were neck and neck until the second extra hole, the par-5 18th, where Campbell carded a birdie after a lucky tree bounce.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • While the incident occurred outside of school hours and there were no reports of students or staff being at the school at the time, South Elgin police were doing extra patrols around the school Tuesday as a precaution, Czechowski said.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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