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
Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
The only non-Dodgers pinch slam in postseason history?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Classic crimp Holding your thumb and index finger about 1 inch apart, pinch a section of the piecrust to form a V shape.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
Try Coffee With Ginger or Chili To give your coffee a spicy kick and extra perks, sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger or chili powder onto your coffee grounds before brewing.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
The only non-Dodgers pinch slam in postseason history?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Remove a thin piece of peel from a lemon (for rye) or orange (for bourbon), getting as little of the bitter white pith as possible; hold the peel between your fingers with the outside facing the top of the drink and pinch slightly to express the citrus oils over the top.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Classic crimp Holding your thumb and index finger about 1 inch apart, pinch a section of the piecrust to form a V shape.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
-
The 37-year-old man has a record of theft, Beccuau alleged.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Leave the designer pieces safely at home and go for a sleek tote that looks every bit as stylish as what everyone in Milan and Paris is sporting—and carries less risk of theft or pickpocketing.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In addition, immigration arrests at the courthouse have drawn criticism from many immigration advocates and local officials, who fear the tactic deters people from showing up for court.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Manzo often posted announcements of new arrests on his Facebook page, along with pleas to Sheinbaum’s government for better security in the face of crime and extortion in his city.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Flights are being delayed and cancelled across the country because of airport staffing shortages.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While the Danish pharma giant holds the patents to these GLP-1s for the time being, some are due to expire as early as next year.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In November 2026, 33 seats will be contested, 20 of which are currently held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Helm topples trees, uproots crops, overturns feed stacks, steals loose blankets.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
French officials and the Louvre Museum have come under international fire in the days and weeks after the heist for security insufficiencies that allowed thieves to steal priceless artifacts in broad daylight.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The woman’s mother then reportedly grabbed Crouch to keep him away from her daughter, causing Crouch to allegedly begin attacking the victim, the affidavit said.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Again, hopefully, Foxx was able to relax a little, grab some rays and just breathe.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Our clean energy and wildfire prevention efforts are saving billions—both in disaster costs and everyday bills.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
My father had two superpowers that saved him in the face of all those failures—his talent for telling stories and gardening.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The 40th release, however, marks the first time the brand has ever released a tequila—an extra añejo blend put together by a leading name in the agave spirits industry.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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However, that extra year of security is likely what Bader is looking for after declining the option.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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