inch 1 of 2

1
2
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking inch by inch, we're making progress toward our fund-raising goal

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3
as in height
inches plural the distance of something or someone from bottom to top made the most of her inches by standing on her tiptoes to reach the top shelf

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inch

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to encroach
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits every year the water inches further up the embankments, threatening to permanently engulf the island city

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2

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 inch
Noun
Other great gardening and outdoor deals include this two-pack of hummingbird feeders, this 91-inch bird feeding station with four feeders, and the Unicook Pizza Stone that goes right on top of your outdoor grill and can withstand up to 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025 But microwaves are much longer in wavelength, at around 10 centimeters (a few inches), and so the light can’t pass through the holes. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Inflation inched higher last month as Americans closed out the summer paying more for both groceries and gasoline. Scott Horsley, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 Plus, the share of medium-sized investors only inched up to 25% of investment buying from 24% in 2015-23. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
  • Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle takes it one step further, creating a paddle brush that’s delicate enough for thinning and damaged strands.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The intermediate stage is known as ENSO-Neutral, when neither La Niña nor El Niño are present.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, fans saw Gilmore Girls alums Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel also reunite on the stage at the Emmys to present an award.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Channel Orange, his breakthrough album, preceded Blonde by several years but didn’t reach the same heights.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And despite the encroaching waves, which nibbled more of our NewFarms every month.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, vague references to a second Civil War invoke our current reality, with its stark ideological divides, encroaching political violence, and calls for retribution that have only escalated in recent days.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is not about dragging NATO into war.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • After being struck from behind, he was dragged to the ground and mauled him, with other lions joined in, per Khaosod English.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the Japanese treat both in formula and texture, the Iota Supermochi Body Exfoliator+ contains soothing sweet rice water and exfoliating red bean extract—alongside ingredients like lactic acid, sea salt, and urea—to gently resurface your skin from the neck down.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Winter Wools Nothing feels sharper or warmer than a funnel-neck coat made of warm wool.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Alex Clark, the host of a wellness podcast for Turning Point USA, said Saturday on X that the organization is receiving lots of inbound interest about launching new chapters.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The next chapter this year was to host our first fashion show.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And to get there, visitors will have to make their way through scare zones brimming with crawling monsters and roaring chainsaws.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Insects crawled through clinical areas, and staff food was stored alongside medical supplies.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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