1
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
an innocent person caught up in a city-wide pinch of drug dealers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
this labor pinch means that there'll be long lines at the checkouts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
pinched the earrings while the boutique owner was distracted by another customer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
pinched the purse snatcher just two blocks from where he had robbed the old lady
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in extra
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pinch
Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
The economic pinch of back-to-school Back-to-school shoppers are worried about the economy and tariffs and starting their shopping early.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
In July 2023, as shoppers feeling pinched by inflation curtailed their spending, Target said its comparable sales declined for the first time in six years.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Twin Cities, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
Pinch runner Tony Kemp was then stranded at third, emblematic of Oakland’s offensive frustrations, as Ramón Laureano struck out, Canha walked, Olson popped up and pinch-hitter Robbie Grossman struck out against Casey Sadler.
—Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
Verb
That is actually a pinch below the prior April quarter, when Nvidia said three customers totaled 57% of the balance combined, based on 27%, 18% and 12%, respectively.
—Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
The economic pinch of back-to-school Back-to-school shoppers are worried about the economy and tariffs and starting their shopping early.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Some plants with tough stems require cutting the stem for removal, while other plants with softer stems can be pinched back to remove flower heads by hand.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
In July 2023, as shoppers feeling pinched by inflation curtailed their spending, Target said its comparable sales declined for the first time in six years.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Twin Cities, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
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Surprising Fact All seven major crimes are below pre-pandemic levels, while nonresidential burglary and motor vehicle theft were higher in the first half of this year compared to the first half of 2019, according to the Council on Criminal Justice.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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The thefts began in late 2024 and continued through May, prosecutors said.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Court records show that a majority of Stevenson's arrests are related to the unlawful possession of a firearm or narcotics.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Kelley shared a series of alarming posts to her Instagram account in the days leading up to her arrest, some of which contained allegations of abuse, while others included personal information that could be used to identify Scott and others.—
Ryan Coleman September 2,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But 2025 marks the highest number of staffing shortages since 2018.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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This is driven by a shortage of primary care doctors and patients’ desire for more personalized care, Harrell said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Namajunas held onto the belt in the rematch in November 2021, defeating Zhang via split decision.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
For investment firms of the ultra wealthy, deal-making held steady in August.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Louisville feels the time is now to approach the NCAA about 2013 in light of the Michigan sign stealing outcome and seismic changes in college sports.—
Ray Padilla,
The Courier-Journal,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Billionaires are stealing from working families, destroying our democracy, and building private armies to attack our towns and cities.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Money is being funneled into headline-grabbing initiatives, such as customer-facing chatbots and generative content tools.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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Huda and Amaya appeared to remain on good terms, as Huda grabbed her hand at one point.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The two wanted the Power of Veto winner to use the ability to keep Panaro, but instead, the winner saved themselves.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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For engineers and designers, this framework is like giving a GPS map through the complex terrain of foam design—saving months of trial-and-error testing.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That change is expected to cost Kentucky's general fund an extra $50 million in fiscal year 2027 and $66 million in fiscal year 2028, according to a presentation from State Budget Director John Hicks.—
Hannah Pinski,
The Courier-Journal,
3 Sep. 2025
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His work at the clinic earned him the Highest Pro Bono Distinction at graduation, which was awarded for working more than 150 extra pro bono hours above the normal course requirements of the clinic.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.
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