pinching 1 of 3

pinching

2 of 3

noun

pinching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of pinch
1
as in holding
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinching
Adjective
  • Some of my friends sent them a gift, knowing why they were not invited, but three of my close friends didn’t send anything (even a card would have been thoughtful).
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • The championship is Oklahoma City’s first since relocating from Seattle in 2008; for the Pacers, close wasn’t good enough for their second straight season with a strong playoff run before falling to the eventual NBA champs.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • In response, Senate Republicans and the White House are cooking up alternative proposals to major sections in order to reach their budget savings goals and meet other promises while keeping anxious caucus members in their herd.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 June 2025
  • Get a head start on savings and scoop up patio furniture, breezy dresses, kitchen essentials, beauty products, and more.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Again, this man has been holding onto so much, and things have just been compacted for him.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This tiny spot has everything needed for relaxation—a pair of Adirondack chairs to lean back and reflect on the day and a tiny table for holding drinks and snacks.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • According to the motion, ICE agents held the 12 Liberty employees in four booths for nearly two hours before arresting them and escorting them out of the restaurant.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The California Values Act, also known as Senate Bill 54, took effect in 2018 and limits how police in the state can work with federal immigration enforcement and also prevents police from investigating or arresting people for immigration enforcement purposes.
    Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In 1980, voters overwhelmingly chose Reagan’s sunny optimism over Carter’s gloomy warnings about cutting back and conserving.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Addressing these inefficiencies through sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, energy audits and waste-to-energy solutions is crucial to reducing the global carbon footprint, conserving resources, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Closing out the 2017 Oscars, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty presented the Best Picture category, with La La Land as the frontrunner and Moonlight nipping at its heels.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The Panthers were able to prevent Pembroke from a clean sweep of both team championships, nipping the Titans for the girls crown by just nine points in the school standings with 69 overall.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Take a look through the list, then pick your potion—and be sure to consult with your physician before swiping anything onto your delicate lash line.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Tinder made waves in 2012 by introducing the swiping mechanism, which has since been widely adopted.
    Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Pinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinching. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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