1
as in step
a very small distance or degree
give them an inch, and they'll take a mile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of inch
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Make sure to leave 36 to 48 inches of space for the flow of traffic around the kitchen, 12 to 15 inches for a landing spot on either side of appliances, and 18 inches between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinetry.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
The move signals the governor is inching closer to a full mobilization of the state’s National Guard in response to the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer after allegedly trying to run him over.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Noun
The Love Affair pumps are available in a variety of colors and materials, including suede and smooth leather, but Parker opted for the black patent leather version with a four-inch heel.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Make sure to leave 36 to 48 inches of space for the flow of traffic around the kitchen, 12 to 15 inches for a landing spot on either side of appliances, and 18 inches between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinetry.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Earnings forecasts are likewise near an all-time peak for 2026, though in recent days have inched a touch lower.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
The move signals the governor is inching closer to a full mobilization of the state’s National Guard in response to the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer after allegedly trying to run him over.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
-
In the wake of the explosion, experts have questioned whether local authorities and PG&E, which has a troubled history of gas-safety incidents, took the appropriate steps to keep residents safe, including telling people to leave the area after the leak was discovered.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
16 Jan. 2026
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The 4,000-square-foot Sky Terrace Penthouse goes a step further with a private studio equipped with a Peloton bike, Echelon Reflect fitness mirror, and Technogym bench.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Florida’s four-game win over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final set the stage for another White House visit.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The show features figure skating, DJs, music and sing-alongs as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other Disney characters hit the stage.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The police had overestimated Ramírez’s height by an inch or two but most of the other details were correct.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
But that project was further complicated by last week’s decision by the state Supreme Court restoring the area’s 30-foot building height limit — despite a 2022 ballot measure to lift it.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Nobody wants to deal with our old devil, even if the new one comes with an encroaching open threat actively bubbling in the Caribbean and Latin America at large.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Gamers aren’t exactly optimistic about AI encroaching on the experience, especially amid deep confusion over how exactly developers and studios are looking to leverage the tech.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At one point, as Rummler is being dragged toward the building, the video captures blood streaming down his face and his attempts to reach toward his neck and his apparent struggle to breathe.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Yet the first episode drags on a bit, laying a ton of groundwork and backstory before the proper investigation begins.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Now, a new style of neck pillows is breathing new life into the trend.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In November, the actress exclusively told PEOPLE about entering a new chapter of her life.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Archaeologists and students recently uncovered an 18th-century Catholic mission in Texas — a discovery that clarifies a key chapter in the early history of the Lone Star State.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As its offense crawled back, the defense forced three turnovers on downs.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The country is crawling with hot springs and spa retreats, like the famed Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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