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
The shortstop entered in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game as a pinch runner and played an inning on defense but did not take an at-bat. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025 Sprinkle on a fat pinch of salt per bunch and toss again to distribute it evenly. Peter Barrett, Outside Online, 9 June 2025
Adjective
In some instances, she was seen pinching several children over a dozen times in the course of one day, per a Crown Prosecution Service press release. Christina Coulter, People.com, 17 June 2025 And maybe, too, UCF is better-equipped to navigate the current financial landscape because the Knights are accustomed to pinching pennies, turning dimes into dollars and digging into the couch cushions to stay competitive. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 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
  • An arrest warrant was issue for Whitt in January 2024.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Californians feel the effects of the shortage of at least 3 million homes in their pocketbooks.
    Laura Friedman, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • Raising a dam also raises the risk of downstream water shortages, ecological disruption, and international tension.
    Joe Salas July 06, New Atlas, 6 July 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
  • But what if this isn’t a fight to win, but a lesson in learning how to hold your center amidst chaos?
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 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
  • One four-person crew in a 24-foot open-bow MasterCraft grabbed their life jackets, wisely abandoned the boat and swam to shore.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • And if your heart wasn't pounding already, Edward saves Bella from a post-delivery death in a nail-biting finale.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both could conceivably take PSG to extra time and/or PKs, where anything could happen.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Use the extra time of a holiday weekend for a quick jaunt in Leucadia — one that offers coastal views and a couple tough uphill climbs.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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