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Definitions

pinch

[pinch] / pɪntʃ /
NOUN
tight pressing
Synonyms
STRONG
compression confinement contraction cramp grasp grasping hurt limitation nip nipping pressure squeeze torment tweak twinge
Antonyms
STRONG
freedom release
WEAK
advantage
NOUN
small amount
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dash
STRONG
bit drop jot mite speck splash splatter taste
WEAK
small quantity soupçon
Antonyms
STRONG
lot
NOUN
predicament
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crunch
STRONG
box clutch contingency crisis difficulty emergency exigency hardship juncture necessity oppression pass plight pressure strait stress
WEAK
tight spot tight squeeze turning point zero hour
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage blessing calm ease peace
WEAK
good fortune
VERB
press tightly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cramp crush hurt squeeze tweak
STRONG
chafe compress confine grasp nip pain twinge wrench wrest wring
Antonyms
STRONGEST
let go release uncompress
WEAK
free
VERB
be stingy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
scrape
STRONG
afflict distress economize oppress press scrimp skimp spare stint
WEAK
pinch pennies
Antonyms
STRONG
aid help spend
WEAK
be generous give offer
VERB
steal
Synonyms
STRONG
cop crib filch lift nab pilfer purloin rob snatch swipe take
WEAK
knock off
VERB
arrest
Synonyms
STRONG
apprehend bust collar detain hold nab
WEAK
pick up pull in run-in take into custody
Antonyms
STRONG
let go release
WEAK
free

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the energy market doesn’t normalize in the coming months, New England and other areas could also feel the pinch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

And if it’s not, you better not pinch me.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

A pinch of celery seed for that classic deli whisper.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

A whole host of players will be thinking they can sneak in and pinch the Green Jacket on Sunday.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

I went and got Katz and brought him back with me, pulling on a pinch of shirtsleeve.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson