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
With consumer costs 21% higher in the Bay Area than in early 2020, the squeeze on pocketbooks is widespread, Hancock said.
—
George Avalos, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Energy-intensive industries—steel, aluminum, fertilizers, chemicals—would be among the first to feel the squeeze, as their production costs surge alongside fuel prices.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
All of us are feeling the squeeze.
—Bradley Schnell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
How state laws tightened the squeeze Two recent state laws significantly reduced Austin’s budget flexibility.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the squeeze
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George Avalos, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Energy-intensive industries—steel, aluminum, fertilizers, chemicals—would be among the first to feel the squeeze, as their production costs surge alongside fuel prices.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
All of us are feeling the squeeze.
—Bradley Schnell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
How state laws tightened the squeeze Two recent state laws significantly reduced Austin’s budget flexibility.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the squeeze
Cite this Entry
“The squeeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20squeeze. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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