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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

as in extra

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Dissimilar Words

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
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
Verb
The shortstop entered in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game as a pinch runner and played an inning on defense but did not take an at-bat. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025 Sprinkle on a fat pinch of salt per bunch and toss again to distribute it evenly. —Peter Barrett, Outside Online, 9 June 2025
Adjective
In some instances, she was seen pinching several children over a dozen times in the course of one day, per a Crown Prosecution Service press release. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 17 June 2025 And maybe, too, UCF is better-equipped to navigate the current financial landscape because the Knights are accustomed to pinching pennies, turning dimes into dollars and digging into the couch cushions to stay competitive. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025 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
  • The defendants deported were charged with crimes that included driving under the influence, car theft, drug distribution, assault, domestic violence, attempted murder and human trafficking.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Labor groups see home building as the Wild West of construction, rife with fly-by-night contractors, wage theft and physical hazards.
    — CalMatters, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Definition of theft
Noun
  • Ding was informed of his arrest at the scene but not immediately taken to jail, the lawsuit says.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • At the time of his arrest, Kohberger was 28 years old and had recently wrapped his first semester as a Ph.D criminology student at Washington State University's Pullman campus, a roughly 15-minute drive from Moscow.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of arrest
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Californians feel the effects of the shortage of at least 3 million homes in their pocketbooks.
    — Laura Friedman, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • Raising a dam also raises the risk of downstream water shortages, ecological disruption, and international tension.
    — Joe Salas July 06, New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Definition of shortage
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • The show will be held Wednesday (July 16) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Nwigwe, joined by David Michael Wyatt, is set to perform the In Memoriam tribute.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Famous for alleging Mark Zuckerberg stole their idea for Facebook, the twins donated 15.47 Bitcoin apiece, worth $1 million each at the time, to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, citing issues with the Biden administration's approach toward cryptocurrency in a June 2024 post on X by Tyler Winklevoss.
    — Thomas Gallagher, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • However, the location of the guitar has remained a mystery since September 1971, having been reportedly stolen during the band’s recording sessions for 1972’s Exile on Main St. at Villa Nellcôte on France’s Côte d’Azur.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    — Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of save
Adjective
  • Both could conceivably take PSG to extra time and/or PKs, where anything could happen.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Use the extra time of a holiday weekend for a quick jaunt in Leucadia — one that offers coastal views and a couple tough uphill climbs.
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
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 19 Jul. 2025.

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