pinch 1 of 3

pinch

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to hold
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
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

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pinch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinch are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

When can contingency be used instead of pinch?

In some situations, the words contingency and pinch are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to pinch?

The meanings of crisis and pinch largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than pinch?

While the synonyms emergency and pinch are close in meaning, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for pinch?

The words exigency and pinch can be used in similar contexts, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When is it sensible to use juncture instead of pinch?

The words juncture and pinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of pinch?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

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
Noun
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
Verb
Combine graham crackers, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a food processor and pulse until the mixture turns to fine crumbs. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 June 2025 On top of that, Chatterjee said any signs that the pinch from tariffs will be more modest than expected or indications that price elasticity concerns for the new iPhone have been overblown should help the stock see outsized gains. Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Adjective
Injuries could pop up, sure, but if this group is healthy, somebody or somebodies are getting pinched. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 14 June 2025 Abraham Toro came in to pinch run for Bregman, and Nick Sogard moved from first to third base to fill his spot defensively the following inning. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
  • The suspects are accused of scheming to steam virtual currency from two companies, with a value of over $900,000 at the time of the thefts, and to launder the proceeds.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • The theft also pilfered Maris’s 1961 Hickok Belt, awarded to the best athlete in all professional sports.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Barnhart suggests the arrests underscore the notion that companies have to look beyond the typical applicant portals and reassess their entire talent pipelines given the way the DPRK IT worker threat has adapted.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • While most protesters were peaceful, incidents of violence occurred, leading to over 100 arrests.
    Adeola Adeosun Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • To address the critical worker shortage, Massachusetts must prioritize benefits and training and improve pay for DSPs.
    Brian Cusack, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • The central bank will hold four rate-setting meetings over the remainder of 2025 – and the first will happen on July 29 and 30.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • This attack works through thousands of dangerous websites, stealing credit card or PayPal details as soon as they’re entered.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • In a near-future Kolkata, ravaged by climate change, one family is about to escape, until their visas are stolen.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Now, folks heading to Shenandoah National Park or beyond can grab some gas, hit the jerky wall, nab a Dr Pepper Icee, load up on fudge, use the famously clean bathrooms, and stock up on Buc-ee’s merch before heading back out on the road.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
  • My father seemed to crumple a little, shuddering, grabbing the edge of his desk to steady himself.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • According to The Vail Daily, volunteer rescuers across Colorado responded to at least four missions during June to save dogs.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 1 July 2025
  • In the year 2025, when an ex-Packers great in Aaron Rodgers is trying to save Pittsburgh, this kind of a blockbuster swap would only be fitting.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • This simple, oversized button-down shirt can be thrown over a tank top for extra coverage, worn with trousers for a dinner out, or used to elevate a pair of classic jeans.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, Michelle, now 38, welcomed the extra opportunity to see her baby on the screen.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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