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
2
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of inch
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
Since the grass is not actively growing, irrigation systems should be adjusted from applying the 1 to 2 inches weekly during spring and summer.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
From September 22 to 28, the Jude Law and Jason Bateman starrer Black Rabbit inched upward to 7M views, maintaining second place on the weekly charts.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inch
Noun
Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
Since the grass is not actively growing, irrigation systems should be adjusted from applying the 1 to 2 inches weekly during spring and summer.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
As Congress inches closer to a possible government shutdown, many federal services North Carolinians depend on might be disrupted.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
From September 22 to 28, the Jude Law and Jason Bateman starrer Black Rabbit inched upward to 7M views, maintaining second place on the weekly charts.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
-
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated a two-game lead over the Phillies in the National League Division Series, and as Turner neared the dugout steps, the anger returned.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Where to stay On the main island of Onna, 355-room Halekulani Okinawa faces a mile of sparkling turquoise waters and is steps away from Busena Marine Park, the only underwater observatory tower in Okinawa.—
Kristin Braswell,
AFAR Media,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The best way to describe Sarr’s offensive game at this early stage in his career is to call him a perimeter player with the body of a 7-footer.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Production on the film is expected to start this year, with filming to take place in multiple countries as the team follows Pita’s evolving role on the global stage.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In an interview with Flow Space, pro runner D’Amato shares five lessons about finding joy in midlife by taking on new challenges—and battling the fear, doubt, and failure that come with the desire to reach new heights.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
3 Oct. 2025
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The widest tree in Indiana, according to the registry, is a Silver Maple in Lawrence County with a circumference of 361 inches and a height of 103 feet.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The atmosphere of a Gothic novel creeps over you; encroaching mist along the outcroppings.—
Leanna Renee Hieber,
Big Think,
2 Oct. 2025
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The screen’s bulk and curvature strain outward to encroach upon viewers, who watch from tiered bleachers enclosed on three sides by a chain-link fence.—
Anne Reeve,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
With marker John McGinn behind him, the midfielder attempted to drag the ball back and evade the challenge.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
If the shutdown drags on for more than a few days, a report on inflation scheduled for mid-October could also be delayed.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Daniels sent a beauty up the seams to second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey, who dove for the 50-yard catch with cornerback Donte Jackson draped around his neck.—
Nicki Jhabvala,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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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,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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Balmoral Arms Following a large-scale refurbishment, the former Deeside Inn in Ballater—a village 25 minutes from Braemar—entered a new chapter as the Balmoral Arms.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Textured toys overhead amuse babies on their backs while musical toys entertain during tummy time and when learning to crawl.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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Teams have for days meticulously tunneled under the rubble, crawling on their hands and knees searching for signs of life, knowing the unstable structure could again buckle upon them.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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