shoehorning

present participle of shoehorn
as in cramming
to fit (people or things) into a tight space the organizers of the county fair shoehorned the craft booths between the midway and the farm exhibits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shoehorning No longer shoehorning into skates never made for her, the next version of someone else’s ideal. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoehorning
Verb
  • This is an impressive chip, cramming nearly 100 billion transistors onto a piece of silicon roughly the size of a fingernail.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The trip took 76 days, with van Dongen splitting time between hours on his bike and cramming into an RV in parks and towns around the country.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The same rules reshaping the car are squeezing the independent aftermarket out of the picture.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Energy prices soared, squeezing Americans already frustrated by the high cost of living.
    Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Cihlar recommends beginners avoid loading up too soon, while men who are already regularly active and lift weights can typically handle a 20- or 30-pound plate from the start.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • How to Start Rucking Safely Experts recommend conditioning the body before loading up a pack, especially for men over 40 returning to exercise.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Which West team has the best chance of wedging its way into the OKC-San Antonio tier?
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • The Cook County medical examiner’s office found that the fatal shot pierced Rivera’s skin near her left armpit and traveled through both her lungs, wedging itself in her ribs, autopsy records show.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shoehorning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoehorning. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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