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
Season the avocado slices with a pinch of flaky salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025 He was replaced by pinch runner Blanco, who scored on Witt’s RBI double. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
These are the forces that shape an old oil well: The laws of physics and the realities of geology, pinching the flow to a dribble. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 26 Mar. 2025 Prompt wording can either pinch pennies or throw pennies away. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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
  • The Diamond Heist, which premiered on April 16, follows the story of Lee Wenham, one of the masterminds behind what would have been one of the biggest jewel thefts in history.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Prosecutors have charged the teen with two counts of first-degree homicide, as well as identity theft and other theft charges.
    A.C. Thompson, ProPublica, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For many in attendance, the commemoration has new meaning amid federal immigration enforcement targeting immigrant communities, including the risk of arrest at a place of worship.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Her arrest came after receipts were found by police indicating her involvement.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Not-so-fun fact: It’s estimated that 42 out of the 50 United States will likely experience shortages in nursing staff by 2030!
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Back in July 2021, severe water shortages in the southwestern province of Khuzestan triggered protests that quickly spread to the entire nation.
    Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The group allegedly operated within the Northeast, targeting luxury vehicles – specifically high-end SUVs – by holding victims at gunpoint or bumping the vehicles on a highway, forcing owners to exit their cars.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The judge’s opinion would identify the grounds for an acquittal or for holding the defendants’ liable.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Coop is fired from his high-profile finance job, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors to keep up his lifestyle, chaos ensues, and get your popcorn ready.
    Danielle Pergament, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The biggest concern for cemetery board members is the bronze doors stolen from three mausoleums, which can be worth more than $10,000 per set.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If projections around the tariffs’ impact are correct, then getting some shopping done now could save you time and money later.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • California family discusses ongoing legal and political battle to 'save girls' sports' as issue heats up Taylor and Ryan Starling of Riverside, California discussed their ongoing lawsuit over trans inclusion in girls' sports, speaking at the state capital and all the fallout that has come with it.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Busch slugged a home run for a second straight day as five of the eight hits by the Cubs (11-7) went for extra bases.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, limited exceptions exist, including: Military personnel serving in combat zones may get extra time.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pinch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!