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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pinch
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Outfielder Jarred Kelenic was brought on as a pinch runner during the ninth and scored the winning run off a wild pitch for a 3-2 victory.
—
Cal Phillips
june 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Rena Goldman,
Health,
28 June 2026
Monitor your petunias for pests and pinch off affected blooms.
—
Abby Monteil,
The Spruce,
27 June 2026
ABC News,
13 June 2026
The smart litter box includes safety sensors, an anti-pinch design, and an odor-control system.
—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
Schmitt couldn’t knock down a two-out single from Atlanta’s Dominic Smith, but Giants closer Caleb Kilian recovered and retired another ex-Giant, pinch-hitter Mike Yastrzemski, to protect a 3-2 victory.
—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Outfielder Jarred Kelenic was brought on as a pinch runner during the ninth and scored the winning run off a wild pitch for a 3-2 victory.
—
Cal Phillips
june 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Verb
Changes, like dimpling, become visible when the skin is pinched.
—
Rena Goldman,
Health,
28 June 2026
Monitor your petunias for pests and pinch off affected blooms.
—
Abby Monteil,
The Spruce,
27 June 2026
Adjective
Then pinch-hitter Nick Solak hit a sacrifice fly.
—
ABC News,
13 June 2026
The smart litter box includes safety sensors, an anti-pinch design, and an odor-control system.
—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
-
Other alleged thefts included $84,000 from an I-95 southbound rest stop in Madison, $66,400 from an I-95 northbound rest stop in Branford and multiple hits in Darien totaling more than $177,000.
-
The thefts occurred at eight ATMs, in the city of Milford and at rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison and Darien.
Noun
-
Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney.
-
Deputies served the warrant on Adrian Cruz and collected evidence that led to Cruz’s arrest on felony animal cruelty charges, authorities said.
Noun
-
Despite the overwhelming demand for medical services and the shortage of supplies in Venezuela’s public health system, Domingo Luciani Hospital in the capital of Caracas coped with an influx of patients thanks to a flood of donations.
-
With the rise in demand by retail users, compute providers are also facing significant shortages, raising their prices, and are rushing to develop more hardware.
Verb
-
The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
-
The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
Verb
-
Zach Neto walked to begin the inning but got picked off at first base attempting to steal second.
-
Yamal is most likely your favorite player’s favorite player to watch, to steal a somewhat corny adage.
Verb
-
Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
-
As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
Verb
-
Energy-saving tips, according to DTE DTE says high temperatures can result in a higher energy bill.
-
Scheffler missed the fairway, landing his drive on a hill along the right side, while Hovland’s was clean, save for some casual water.
Adjective
-
July 4th fireworks and celebrations hold extra meaning in 2026 as the United States celebrates the 250th birthday of the nation.
-
As for oats, consider sneaking in some extra protein to round out their nutritional profile.
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
