1
2
as in stole
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
pinched the earrings while the boutique owner was distracted by another customer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrested
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in saved
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
1
as in reduced
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in gaunt
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pinched
Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The remote start antenna cable may be pinched in the affected vehicles, which can cause the warning light not to light.
—James Powel, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
In July 2023, as shoppers feeling pinched by inflation curtailed their spending, Target said its comparable sales declined for the first time in six years.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Twin Cities, 20 Aug. 2025
Some plants with tough stems require cutting the stem for removal, while other plants with softer stems can be pinched back to remove flower heads by hand.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
Could the group get pinched to take an extra DL, corner or another position?
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
In the ninth minute, Barcola skipped past Danso but the Portuguese midfielder tracked back and pinched the ball.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This hormone allows your ligaments to loosen, and your nerves may become pinched, which can lead to a tingling feeling.
—Erika W. Smith, Refinery29, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Then Shelton’s shoulder pinched.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The remote start antenna cable may be pinched in the affected vehicles, which can cause the warning light not to light.
—James Powel, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
In July 2023, as shoppers feeling pinched by inflation curtailed their spending, Target said its comparable sales declined for the first time in six years.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Twin Cities, 20 Aug. 2025
Some plants with tough stems require cutting the stem for removal, while other plants with softer stems can be pinched back to remove flower heads by hand.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
Could the group get pinched to take an extra DL, corner or another position?
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
In the ninth minute, Barcola skipped past Danso but the Portuguese midfielder tracked back and pinched the ball.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This hormone allows your ligaments to loosen, and your nerves may become pinched, which can lead to a tingling feeling.
—Erika W. Smith, Refinery29, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinched
Verb
-
Ohtani struck out him out looking twice, once on a backdoor sweeper and once on a 101 mph fastball that nipped the corner.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Two bedrooms on the top floor each have a private bath, and two more nipped down in the basement share a hall bath.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The writers’ allegations echoed dozens of other lawsuits brought by authors, news outlets, visual artists and others who say that tech companies stole their work to use in AI training.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
In December of that year, court records show that Bramble stole a City of Norwood Public Works pickup, fled from officers from at least two agencies and then tried to run away with a knife in his hand.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 41-year-old driver has been arrested, police said.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Farthing was arrested in Florida days after his lottery win and body camera footage from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office shows the Kentuckian being tased and tackled by deputies after attempting to flee following a bar fight.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gibson saved one match point with a lob, but missed on a backhand on the second one and Brough won 6-1, 3-6, 9-7.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Every animal is photographed, and everything from mats of fur to overgrown nail clippings are bagged and saved.—
Meg Dunn,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The apparently recent footage showed two hostages -- Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel -- looking gaunt and exhausted while being driven around Gaza City.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
Arkansas Online,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Then a gaunt old girl lit out over the ridge, and the others broke and followed.—
Fred C. Mercer,
Outdoor Life,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In a move that would make April Ludgate proud, Aubrey Plaza swiped some notes from then Vice President Joe Biden.—
Daysia Tolentino,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Michigan City Area Schools had to scramble to keep kids learning on Tuesday and Wednesday after thieves swiped more than 20 catalytic converters from the district’s bus yard.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinched. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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