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
  • The same push toward cramming AI into every corner is also happening on Windows 11, where Microsoft Copilot promises to be helpful.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The common thread among them is many, many hours spent cramming parenting and their careers into each day.
    — Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of squeezing time together into a large family gathering, Marilyn and a small group of relatives are staying in London through Tuesday.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The clinic adds that squeezing the lower legs helps veins return blood to the heart, and the therapy can be used on its own or alongside other treatments a healthcare provider recommends.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But teachable moments for everyone, including the coaching staff, are loading.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Early deployments are not focused on robots that can perform household tasks such as loading a dishwasher or climbing stairs.
    — Artem Sokolov, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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