1
2
as in arrests
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
an innocent person caught up in a city-wide pinch of drug dealers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lacks
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
this labor pinch means that there'll be long lines at the checkouts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in steals
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 seizes
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 saves
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pinches
Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
There’s the moment Stanton’s Håkon Werle pinches the back of his son’s neck, like a cruel master bringing his dog to heel.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
For Spraggins’ colleague, Josie Wheeler — who still sometimes pinches herself at going from bartending to meetings with nuclear power plant operators — Accenture is a lifetime commitment.
—Andy Tonsing, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
This pinches the space between them so only the high-k dielectric completely surrounds them.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2017
Verb
Dad pinches my cheek between his first two fingers with a soppy look in his eyes.
—Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
There’s the moment Stanton’s Håkon Werle pinches the back of his son’s neck, like a cruel master bringing his dog to heel.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
For Spraggins’ colleague, Josie Wheeler — who still sometimes pinches herself at going from bartending to meetings with nuclear power plant operators — Accenture is a lifetime commitment.
—Andy Tonsing, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
This pinches the space between them so only the high-k dielectric completely surrounds them.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinches
Noun
-
The vast majority of the thefts have happened at one postal location, and both victims and authorities are concerned that the crime could be an inside job involving postal employees.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
There were 20 reports from April 21-30 of residential burglaries, burglaries and thefts from the land surrounding homes, thefts from motor vehicles and suspicious-person incidents.—
Sofia Saric
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Disgraced former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor led the investigation into the murder, conducting interviews, making arrests, and more.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
-
In Orlando, around 1,000 teenagers showed up to the Icon Park area on a Saturday night last month, spurring fights and a substantial police response that led to nine arrests on charges including battery on an officer, resisting arrest and trespassing.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Ford’s freedom or constraints, his prejudices or lacks, gauge his moment and ours.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Dipping into 2027 draft capital to make a fifth-round selection in a draft that Schneider has repeatedly said lacks depth is a surprising move.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Red Square is where Russia holds its traditional military parade to celebrate Victory Day, one of the biggest holidays of the year.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Continue reading … BALLOT TALK — Rubio's viral White House briefing clip fuels 2028 buzz as Vance holds frontrunner spot.—
,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Denied children in life, a kuntilanak steals them, those in utero and those already born.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
-
What is it called when someone steals your coffee?—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Rather than intercepting income at the source, a bank levy freezes and seizes funds that are already sitting in your checking or savings account.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Like any well-meaning grifter, Anna (Halle Bailey) seizes the opportunity to hop a flight to picturesque Tuscany after meeting a handsome Italian stranger with an empty villa.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each resident who converts to online payment saves the county hundreds of dollars in operational costs and increases investment returns.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Since the bulbs are more efficient than their predecessors, the overhaul reduces annual carbon emissions by 67,000 metric tons and saves roughly $10 million in energy each year.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
That vibe lives on at Jacaranda, with just 30 seats up for grabs, including a six-seat communal table.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
7 May 2026
-
Another position on the back end that’s up for grabs will be safety.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinches. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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