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
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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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in extra
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pinch
Mike Snider, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Katelaine McGee, founder of Katelaine McGee Interiors in Dallas, Texas, strongly recommends swapping out your grommet-style drapes with pinch pleats for a look that’s timeless, elegant, and just as grown-up as you.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2025
They are pinched into a bright, almost surgical nasality or burst loose into grand, sideways arcs, flaring out in a feral yelp.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 21 Dec. 2025
Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for pinch
Noun
The most recent business feeling the penny pinch?
—Verb
This luxuriant, almost decadent virtuosity can feel out of synch with a tale of miserable, penny-pinching extremes.
—Adjective
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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch
Noun
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The domestic violence case was dismissed and the theft charge had yet to be disputed in court.—
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Investigators believe the same person is responsible for at least the thefts in Rancho San Diego and Imperial Beach, and possibly all five thefts.—
Noun
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Beere added that officers were nearing key arrests in Saturday’s triple homicide.—
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Its most recent casualty update put the total at 34 protesters killed, two security forces killed, and 2,076 arrests.—
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Verb
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Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
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He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Verb
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Maia’s horrified to realize that the bag was stolen; Tallulah’s mostly just annoyed she got caught.—
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Before his imprisonment, Chacón was arrested in 2024 on a domestic violence charge and, in 2025, was accused of stealing merchandise at a Walmart.—
Verb
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Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show Don your camo gear and grab your fishing poles for the Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show.—
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The suspects, seen grabbing armfuls of merchandise during multiple rounds of theft, reportedly fled in a U-Haul truck, Lower Merion Police told Fox 29 Philadelphia.—
Verb
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Keeping Tabs on Car and Insurance-Related Documents Good documentation helps save time and stress during claims or disputes.—
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After first responders tried to save her at the scene, she was taken to Hennepin Healthcare and pronounced dead.—
Adjective
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And although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding.—
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While there are plenty of bandages, wraps, and tapes, extra items such as an emergency thermal blanket, flashlights, sting relief, burn compression, and other items elevate this kit to support a variety of solutions.—
Cite this Entry
“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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