squeeze

verb \ ˈskwēz \

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Examples: squeeze in a Sentence

Definition of squeeze

squeezed; squeezing

transitive verb

1 a : to exert pressure especially on opposite sides of : compress

b : to extract or emit under pressure

c : to force or thrust by compression

2 a (1) : to get by extortion

(2) : to deprive by extortion

b : to cause economic hardship to

c : to reduce the amount of

squeezes profits

3 : to crowd into a limited area

4 : to gain or win by a narrow margin

5 : to force (another player) to discard in bridge so as to unguard a suit

6 : to score by means of a squeeze play

intransitive verb

1 : to give way before pressure

2 : to exert pressure; also : to practice extortion or oppression

3 : to force one's way

squeeze through a door

4 : to pass, win, or get by narrowly

—

squeezability

play \ˌskwē-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

—

squeezable

play \ˈskwē-zə-bəl\ adjective

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squeezer

noun

See squeeze defined for English-language learners

See squeeze defined for kids

Examples of squeeze in a Sentence

He lightly squeezed her hand and smiled.
Gently squeeze the fruit to see if it's ripe.
Hold it securely but don't squeeze too hard.
He squeezed the juice from the orange.

Recent Examples of squeeze from the Web

After Franco singled with one out to represent Philadelphia’s first hit, Cobb had two outs when home plate umpire Mark Carlson squeezed him on the inside edge of the plate for a walk.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles have their chances, but fail to capitalize in 3-2 loss to Phillies," 4 July 2018
Even as the economy improves, some employers say the minimum wage hikes are squeezing them.

— andrew khouri, latimes.com, "Latest minimum wage hike comes as some employers launch bidding wars for scarce workers," 1 July 2018
As of late May, Google Calendar users can leave a note with any changed events, which is better than trying to remember something or squeeze it into one of the little squares on a paper month.

— shelby dermer, Cincinnati.com, "Sports parents give advice to others on how to budget time effectively," 20 June 2018
Mike Kimmel got to the gator just in time, as the nearly 10-foot python was squeezing it to death.

— caitlin o'kane, CBS News, "Video shows man saving alligator as python nearly squeezes it to death," 19 June 2018
Foreign business groups have complained for a decade that Beijing is squeezing them out of promising economic fields.

— NBC News, "Trump slaps China with $50 billion in tariffs, Beijing immediately hits back, report says," 16 June 2018
Reddick squeezed it and Verlander sauntered to the dugout.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros sweep Athletics, extend winning streak to 8," 15 June 2018
My dad always making time for me, squeezing me into errands.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Jim Gaffigan Jokes His 5 Kids Listen to Dad 'Bitch and Moan' During 'One-on-One Time'," 15 June 2018
Don’t think a sad story is going to squeeze you past a lousy dish.

— gwen ashley walters, azcentral, "How Phoenix chefs are conquering 'Chopped,' one mystery basket at a time," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'squeeze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of squeeze

alteration of obsolete English quease, from Middle English queysen, from Old English cwȳsan; akin to Icelandic kveisa stomach cramps

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1601

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

squeeze Synonyms

squeeze

noun

Definition of squeeze

1 a : an act or instance of squeezing : compression

b : handclasp; also : embrace

2 a : a quantity squeezed out from something

a squeeze of lemon

b : a group crowded together : crowd

3 : a profit taken by a middleman on goods or transactions

4 : a financial pressure caused by narrowing margins or by shortages

5 : a forced discard in bridge

6 : squeeze play

7 slang : a romantic partner

she's my main squeeze

See squeeze defined for English-language learners

Examples of squeeze in a Sentence

Fifty guests will be a bit of a squeeze.
It'll be a tight squeeze, but we can all fit.

Recent Examples of squeeze from the Web

But there are three reasons to worry: a lack of innovation in local firms, a coming demographic squeeze and an over-dependence on foreigners, especially German ones, to drive development.

— The Economist, "Central Europe’s Goldilocks economies," 5 July 2018
However, as a recent The New York Times report has brought to light, the convenient squeeze pouches found in everyone's diaper bags might also teach children unhealthy food habits when they're used as a crutch instead of a treat.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "You're Probably Feeding Your Kids Too Many Food Pouches, Say Pediatricians," 3 July 2018
Firmly squeeze tofu in between paper towels to drain as much excess liquid as possible.

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "Easiest-Ever Grilled Veggie Burgers," 25 June 2018
Amelia Freitas raced home on a squeeze but Sachems catcher Maddie Kilpeck fielded the bunt and forced her out of the basepath.

— dan mcloone, BostonGlobe.com, "Needham boys’ volleyball upsets Taunton," 15 June 2018
But can bots wrap us in their big metal arms and give us a squeeze that provides the same sense of comfort as a human hug?

— sarah cahlan /, NBC News, "Why scientists are teaching this robot to hug," 11 June 2018
To determine ripeness, give the fruit a gentle squeeze in the palm of your hand.

— susan russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Avocado aficionado: Sam the Cooking Guy," 4 June 2018
And lastly, give the peach a gentle squeeze on the shoulders where the stem was.

— paul stephen, San Antonio Express-News, "Everything’s peachy with Texas’ favorite fruit," 30 May 2018
Brach fanned Flowers, but Culberson followed up his squeeze bunt attempt to drop a double into short center field.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Manny Machado hits two-run homer in 15th, Orioles earn 10-7 marathon win over Braves," 23 June 2018

First Known Use of squeeze

1611

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

squeeze Synonyms

Synonyms

compacting, compaction, compression, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, contraction, squeezing, telescoping;

Antonyms

decompression, expansion;

Near Antonyms

dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering;

distension (or distention), inflation, swelling;

concentration, consolidation;

simplification, streamlining;

decreasing, diminishment, lessening;

SQUEEZE Defined for English Language Learners

squeeze

verb

Definition of squeeze for English Language Learners

: to press together the parts and especially the opposite sides of (something)
: to get or remove (something) by squeezing something
: to pull back on (a gun's trigger) with your finger

squeeze

noun

Definition of squeeze for English Language Learners

: a situation in which people or things are crowded together
: an act of squeezing something
: a small amount that is gotten or removed from something (such as a piece of fruit) by squeezing it