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pinch hitter

noun

Definition of pinch hitternext
as in replacement
a person or thing that takes the place of another the business owners brought in a pinch hitter until a permanent manager could be hired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hitter Standing between the Houston Astros starter, a perfect game and a celebratory dogpile was Boston Red Sox pinch hitter Doug Mirabelli. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Schreiber proceeded to walk Dodgers pinch hitter Kyle Tucker to load the bases. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Astros center fielder Brice Matthews injured his left knee crashing into the wall in the first inning trying to catch a Jung drive and left for a pinch hitter in the second. — CBS News, 12 July 2026 But Rolison surrendered a go-ahead two-run double to pinch hitter Jeremiah Jackson and walked a batter before eventually getting out of the inning. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pinch hitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch hitter
  1. replacement
  2. substitute
  3. backup
Noun
  • If the claim is approved, the company pays toward the repair or replacement up to the plan’s coverage limit.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
  • An examination of half of the building’s 278 panels reportedly revealed that 46 had severe structural corrosion and 93 had mild-to-moderate corrosion; one third of them requires immediate replacement.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of replacement
Noun
  • The two substitutes put those taking their place on the bench in the shade by scoring three goals between them.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The first question sees technology as a substitute, while the second sees it as an amplifier.
    — Tal Dagan, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of substitute
Noun
  • The Fever guard will be a necessary backup to Gray for the 2028 Games.
    — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Extensive lines backed up at Kauai's primary airport as people tried to leave the island; state officials said the airport was operating on a lone backup generator because a second generator was damaged by the storm.
    — GENE JOHNSON, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of backup

Browse Nearby Words

pinch-hits
pinch hitter
pinch hitters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinch hitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch%20hitter. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pinch hitter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pinch hitter

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