1
2
as in arrest
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 shortage
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 to steal
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 to arrest
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 to save
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
as in extra
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 pinch
Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
The shortstop entered in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game as a pinch runner and played an inning on defense but did not take an at-bat.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 June 2025
Window placement and, by extension, the number of windows on your home, isn’t the place to pinch pennies or cut corners.
—Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
Pinch runner Tony Kemp was then stranded at third, emblematic of Oakland’s offensive frustrations, as Ramón Laureano struck out, Canha walked, Olson popped up and pinch-hitter Robbie Grossman struck out against Casey Sadler.
—Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
Verb
Add a pinch or two of salt. 2: Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
The shortstop entered in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game as a pinch runner and played an inning on defense but did not take an at-bat.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
Adjective
One of Steve’s harebrained schemes involves founding a movie theater speakeasy, for which the film-loving pair decides to pinch the private print at the following week’s engagement.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 June 2025
Window placement and, by extension, the number of windows on your home, isn’t the place to pinch pennies or cut corners.
—Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
-
After the weapons theft, Jacquet reportedly received a phone call to set up a meeting.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
25 July 2025
-
The juvenile, who is thought to be the one who brandished the firearm, is not facing federal charges for his role in the thefts but was referred to Hamilton County Juvenile Court.—
Hailey Roden,
The Enquirer,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Epstein's circle—including influential fellow financiers, scientists and politicians—has remained a topic of public and political scrutiny since his arrest and subsequent 2019 death in a New York City jail cell.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
-
The card was discovered on his person at the scene of his arrest.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
California already faces some of the highest housing costs in the country and a shortage of construction workers.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
19 July 2025
-
Spain, to cite but one example, has a housing shortage and is currently considering levying a 100% tax on foreign buyers of real estate.—
William P. Barrett,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
-
Premieres will be held Thursday, January 22, to Tuesday, January 27, where audiences will see films, episodic projects, and more for the first time, with additional showings throughout the entire Festival.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
However, the location of the guitar has remained a mystery since September 1971, having been reportedly stolen during the band’s recording sessions for 1972’s Exile on Main St. at Villa Nellcôte on France’s Côte d’Azur.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
15 July 2025
-
Famous for alleging Mark Zuckerberg stole their idea for Facebook, the twins donated 15.47 Bitcoin apiece, worth $1 million each at the time, to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, citing issues with the Biden administration's approach toward cryptocurrency in a June 2024 post on X by Tyler Winklevoss.—
Thomas Gallagher,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Unfortunately, after consultations with the office, I was asked not to work this week to save my brain cells for the second half.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Among Microsoft Teams’ most active users, tools like Copilot have saved up to eight hours per month, the equivalent of a full workday, by summarizing meetings, streamlining communications, and eliminating routine tasks.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Hopefully, the extra rest over the All-Star break will help Clark get back to full health and on the court.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
-
Here are a few extra tips to make cleaning blinds with vinegar more efficient.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share