Synonyms of pinch-hitting

pinch-hitting

verb

present participle of pinch-hit

as in substituting

to serve as a replacement usually for a time only

assigned to pinch-hit as a math teacher for the remainder of the semester

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substituting
• subbing
• spelling
• standing in
• covering
• filling in
• taking over
• stepping in
• relieving
• understudying
• doubling (as)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pinch-hitting

Harris had to contend with a leadoff single and then a pinch-hitting appearance from Jordan Walker, the Cardinals’ 100-RBI man, but a double-play grounder and another groundball to third base settled matters. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Sabrowski was tasked with retiring Josh Rojas — who was pinch-hitting for Tyler Tolbert. — Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Fischer’s booming bat could be used in a crucial pinch-hitting role. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Tatis, reading the moment well in just his third pinch-hitting appearance this year, earned a four-pitch walk. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Siri, who was pinch-hitting, then drilled a double into the gap in left-center, scoring the tying run. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2026

As constructed, the Dodgers don’t have an equivalent for pinch-hitting situations. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

In the prior series in Cincinnati, he was benched for two games, reduced to pinch-hitting. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Mickey Gasper led off the seventh with a single and Andruw Monasterio, pinch-hitting for Seigler, greeted left-hander Brent Headrick with a one-out single. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026