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
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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
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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
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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
-
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
-
According to FanGraphs, Ward’s 16 thefts is tied for the most by any player in a single spring since 2006, matching San Francisco’s Eugenio Velez’s total from 2008 with two weeks of games still to play.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The mass arrests have swelled detention centers and set ICE off on a national chase for space to warehouse those who have been apprehended.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Lang has not commented on the incident or the arrests.—
Mark Crudele,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As of Wednesday, firearms dealers are required under state law to use scanners that pull the prospective purchaser’s name, date of birth and other details from the card’s magnetic strip, which the new design lacks — except if they are authorized otherwise.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Each provides amino acids that the other lacks, so eating them together gives you all the essential amino acids.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The hydrogel acts like a containment layer that holds bacteria close to the electrode while allowing liquids to flow through.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
-
For girls, Cheryl Miller still holds the most points scored at 41 when Riverside Poly won Division I in 1982 at the Oakland Coliseum over Los Gatos 77-44.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Drafted by Miami with the fifth overall pick in 2003, Wade is the Heat’s all-time leader in categories like points, games played, minutes played, assists and steals and is considered one of the top shooting guards in NBA history.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
-
When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Unfortunately, though, she’s still possessed by the spirit of Mary Shelley, whose voice seizes her body with tiresome frequency.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Now, her family must reckon with the consequences as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) seizes an opportunity to regain her position.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
How to Make Crab Rangoon Garlic Bread The dish itself is actually pretty simple to make and saves you a lot of labor when compared to recreating a traditional crab rangoon at home.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Mar. 2026
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Staying near your meeting location, conference venue, or in the city center saves time and eliminates the need for lengthy rideshares or rental cars.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the 17-point margin on paper, the outcome was up for grabs at the break.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The poll, based on interviews with 350 likely voters March 7-9, revealed just how up for grabs the mayoral election is, with less than three months before the primary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pinches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinches. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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