pinch 1 of 3

Definition of pinchnext

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
The side profile is a mashup of a low-riding SUV and a station wagon with a pinch of minivan. Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 Feb. 2026 Remove from heat and sprinkle all over with a pinch of kosher salt and remaining 2 tsp. Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Worse too, rivals Rangers also pinched their second spot in the Scottish Premiership. Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The strap is pinched at the center and features two open slits on each side. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026
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
  • Owen Masters, 42, of West Bend, is facing two felony theft by contractor counts with an amount between $2,500 and $5,000 and a third felony count with an amount between $10,000 and $100,000, according to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Reports of catalytic converter and even taillight thefts are nothing new.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Giuliano told Venezuelan news site TalCual that Saab may make an appearance to refute the arrest allegations himself but was consulting with the government about what had happened.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertner's arrest to retaliation for Uralkali's decision to pull out of a joint venture.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Several others were wounded and taken for treatment in Rahad, which faces severe medical supplies shortages like many areas in the Kordofan region, the statement said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.
    JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His coverage of a man whose identity was stolen for more than 25 years caught the judge’s eye.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Besides worries about spending by Big Tech companies, which are Wall Street's most influential stocks, concerns about AI potentially stealing customers from software companies also hurt the market.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Similarly, Bad Bunny also stopped at a piraguas cart recreation and briefly grabbed a frozen dessert.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Did Manchester City just save the title race?
    Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Dave Coulier credited early cancer detection with saving his life – twice.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Alphabet's spend increase comes at a time when Wall Street has been particularly sensitive to extra AI spend.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Calvin Klein Collection, for its part, employed broad shoulders and extra-long cuts.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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