the squeeze

noun

informal
: a situation that causes feelings of stress and pressure
We are really feeling the squeeze since I lost my job.
The government is putting the squeeze on tax evaders.

Examples of the squeeze in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Consumers aren't only feeling the squeeze in air travel. ABC News, 4 June 2026 However, once the squeeze was over, shares swiftly plummeted to around $10. Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 May 2026 Consumer confidence is slipping amid the squeeze from rising inflation. Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Spirit’s largest hub, is feeling the squeeze as other carriers move to fill the void. Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for the squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The squeeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20squeeze. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster