pinch 1 of 3

Definition of pinchnext

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
Kelenic’s Rangers debut ended in the ninth when he was replaced by pinch-hitter Justin Foscue. Cal Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026 Instead, Quatraro turned to Tyler Tolbert as a pinch-hitter. Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Verb
Next, pinch off the first flowers. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026 According to customers, the ankle cuff sits comfortably and doesn’t pinch. Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Adjective
Then pinch-hitter Nick Solak hit a sacrifice fly. ABC News, 13 June 2026 The smart litter box includes safety sensors, an anti-pinch design, and an odor-control system. Jessica Moore, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
  • Residents say their reports of the theft — like their complaints of other crimes — go unheeded because their 2-year-old apartment building lies in a law enforcement no man’s land where no police agency has the power or resources to investigate and prosecute run-of-the-mill crime.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The Travelon Anti-theft Classic Crossbody Bag, which is built with pickpocket-proof features to keep your valuables protected, is also on sale for 56 percent off, bringing its price down to just $34.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Joanna Shoulder received the beating as discipline for wetting her bed, according to a homicide detective’s account of his interview of the girl’s father described in an arrest warrant affidavit.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Family set to announce reward Weeks later, with no leads or arrests in the case, one theory is gaining traction with the victim's family.
    Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The Crimean peninsula has had periodic fuel shortages from Ukrainian strikes before, but the current crisis is the worst since its 2014 annexation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 June 2026
  • Novelli said one of the reasons many kids in New Haven are still behind in reading is a shortage of pre-kindergarten education.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Those arrested for criminal conduct must be held accountable in our court system.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • The toys clanked, the players held their breath and onlookers whispered strategies on the sidelines – until a winner was crowned.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Bald eagle are also known to scavenge for food and carrion, even stealing from other hunting birds mid-flight.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The show was canceled that year, after Mencia was accused of stealing material from other comedians.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • According to the Northwestern Mutual survey, nearly three-quarters of Gen Z already have saved more than one year of income toward retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Clark had a collection of par saves around the turn as Scottie Scheffler was making a move and poured it on with a fairway metal to get within four feet for eagle on the par-five 16th for an even-par 70 that gave him a six-shot lead.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • July 4th fireworks and celebrations hold extra meaning in 2026 as the United States celebrates the 250th birthday of the nation.
    CBS Chicago Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • As for oats, consider sneaking in some extra protein to round out their nutritional profile.
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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