Thesaurus

pinch

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of pinch

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 an instance of theft

the pinch of my favorite sweater really bugged me!

Synonyms for pinch

Words Related to pinch

2 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 for pinch

Words Related to pinch

raid

house arrest

rearrest

remand

Near Antonyms for pinch

Antonyms for pinch

discharge

3 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 for pinch

Words Related to pinch

absence,
omission

Near Antonyms for pinch

Antonyms for pinch

pinch

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of pinch (Entry 2 of 3)

1 to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points

the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

Synonyms for pinch

Words Related to pinch

crimp,
tweak

Near Antonyms for pinch

2 to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep

pinched the earrings while the boutique owner was distracted by another customer

Synonyms for pinch

appropriate,
boost
[slang],
filch,
heist,
hook,
lift,
misappropriate,
nick
[British slang],
nip,
pilfer,
pocket,
purloin,
rip off,
snitch,
steal,
swipe,
thieve

Words Related to pinch

pick,
rifle

mooch,
sponge

Phrases Synonymous with pinch

Near Antonyms for pinch

buy,
purchase

3 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 for pinch

apprehend,
arrest,
bust
[slang],
collar,
nab,
nail,
nick
[British slang],
pick up,
pull in,
restrain,
run in,
seize

Words Related to pinch

rearrest

remand

Near Antonyms for pinch

unbind,
unchain

Antonyms for pinch

discharge

4 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 for pinch

Words Related to pinch

scrape

hoard,
lay up

Phrases Synonymous with pinch

pinch pennies

Near Antonyms for pinch

splurge

Antonyms for pinch

waste

pinch

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of pinch (Entry 3 of 3)

as in alternative, alternate

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for pinch

extra,
spare

improvised,
jury

another,
second

utility

successive

equivalent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for pinch

original

first,
former

lasting,
permanent

Frequently Asked Questions About pinch

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