as in close
giving or sharing as little as possible
neighborhood kids who were trick-or-treating knew better than to bother to knock on that pinching couple's door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in saving
the quality or practice of being overly sparing with money
this constant pinching is getting ridiculous—we can afford to turn on one or two lights!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in stealing
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 arresting
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 conserving
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
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 pinching
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
In digital tests, wearers used natural pinching and grasping gestures to zoom and manipulate virtual objects on a computer screen with fluid precision.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
The penny pinching has small business owners complaining about hard times.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Made from SpanxSmooth material—a lightweight nylon-and-elastane blend—the bralette feels almost weightless and provides gentle smoothing without any digging or pinching.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
Walter’s first full season in charge was the end of the penny pinching that existed under prior owner Frank McCourt.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The shoes have a wide toe box with plenty of room for feet to spread out, which helps prevent painful pinching and accommodates foot issues.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
The spandex-blend material is ultra-stretchy, and there’s no unpleasant digging or pinching courtesy of the zipper- and button-free design.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Instead of pinching pennies, the doctor recommends paying whatever amount is necessary to ensure quality treatment.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
There were a whopping 10 major leaguers in total dealt at the trade deadline as the Pohlad family took penny pinching to a new level.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Renewables were 20% of supply before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, pinching Europe’s gas supplies.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
From the red carpet and celebrities to pinching pennies at the pump, the Prius has served a role in the automotive ecosystem.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Encourage bushy growth by pinching off the top set of leaves when the plants are still young.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026
Gerdes recommends pinching plants back once in a while to increase branching.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
The memory foam construction also provides plush cushioning to prevent pinching.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
In digital tests, wearers used natural pinching and grasping gestures to zoom and manipulate virtual objects on a computer screen with fluid precision.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
The penny pinching has small business owners complaining about hard times.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Made from SpanxSmooth material—a lightweight nylon-and-elastane blend—the bralette feels almost weightless and provides gentle smoothing without any digging or pinching.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
Walter’s first full season in charge was the end of the penny pinching that existed under prior owner Frank McCourt.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The shoes have a wide toe box with plenty of room for feet to spread out, which helps prevent painful pinching and accommodates foot issues.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
First, a mathematical operation known as the Schur pinching channel reorganizes the system into a simpler, diagonal form—something closer to classical data that is easier to handle.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
The spandex-blend material is ultra-stretchy, and there’s no unpleasant digging or pinching courtesy of the zipper- and button-free design.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Instead of pinching pennies, the doctor recommends paying whatever amount is necessary to ensure quality treatment.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
There were a whopping 10 major leaguers in total dealt at the trade deadline as the Pohlad family took penny pinching to a new level.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Renewables were 20% of supply before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, pinching Europe’s gas supplies.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
From the red carpet and celebrities to pinching pennies at the pump, the Prius has served a role in the automotive ecosystem.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Encourage bushy growth by pinching off the top set of leaves when the plants are still young.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026
Gerdes recommends pinching plants back once in a while to increase branching.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinching
Adjective
-
Because the Celtics, provided they close-out the 76ers, have the kind of shooters the Hawks don’t.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Qatar could deepen its already close defense ties to Turkey, and China, which is close to Iran, could play a greater diplomatic role.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While companies have always prioritized saving time—one of a brand’s most valuable resources—Luca Braschi, Soko’s marketing and technology manager, noted that energy is becoming an equally pressing concern, particularly as rising oil prices drive up costs.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Or, the city could take a more time-consuming and cost saving approach by asking the state legislature for help.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Besides holding the other candidates hostage in his attic until after the election, there’s probably nothing that could help him.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
The offenders then allegedly demanded access to a safe, a computer and accounts holding cryptocurrency.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Officials say the ring targeted vulnerable residents by forging documents, stealing personal information about the real owners and arranging the sales of the properties.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There's a long way to go before the season gets here and stealing the spotlight on Thursday night during the draft doesn’t guarantee anything.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The affidavit further alleges that Bell gave arresting officers the name of her older sister.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The Houston Police Department’s policy has barred officers from arresting or detaining someone based on immigration status since 1990.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So jockeys must try to gain space by running at or near the lead while conserving enough energy to make a closing push — and this suits some horses’ styles better than others.—
Peter Keating,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
Pick Permeable Hardscaping Paths and patios that are paved with gravel, spaced flagstones, or porous concrete are the best choices for water-conserving gardens.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Detecting such tiny numbers of atoms takes time, and the setup requires careful calibration and advanced equipment.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Inflation continues to pressure consumers The holiday economizing comes as Americans continue to battle inflation, which rose after the COVID-19 pandemic to levels not seen since the 1980s.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinching. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
