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.
How state laws tightened the squeeze Two recent state laws significantly reduced Austin’s budget flexibility. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026 But stagnant paychecks and a lackluster labor market are only part of the squeeze. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026 When his job applications for new positions go nowhere, and his family starts feeling the squeeze to their comfortable middle-class life, Man-su starts killing his fellow candidates to boost his chances of finding work. Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026 More Once a necessary force for politicians on both sides to reckon with, campaign reporters are now often feeling the squeeze of the increasingly partisan drift of new media and a shifting media landscape that no longer solely relies on them. Max Tani, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster