PINCH Synonyms: 232 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'pinch' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinch are contingency , crisis , emergency , exigency , juncture , straits , and strait . While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency . // come through in a pinch

Q: When can 'contingency' be used instead of 'pinch'?

In some situations, the words contingency and pinch are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. // contingency plans

Q: Where would 'crisis' be a reasonable alternative to 'pinch'?

The meanings of crisis and pinch largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. // a crisis of confidence

Q: When is 'emergency' a more appropriate choice than 'pinch'?

While the synonyms emergency and pinch are close in meaning, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster. // the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Q: When would 'exigency' be a good substitute for 'pinch'?

The words exigency and pinch can be used in similar contexts, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation. // provide for exigencies

Q: When is it sensible to use 'juncture' instead of 'pinch'?

The words juncture and pinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events. // an important juncture in our country's history

Q: How are the words 'strait' and 'straits' related as synonyms of 'pinch'?

Strait , now commonly straits , applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult. // in dire straits

pinch 1 of 3

noun

Definition of pinch

as in theft

an instance of theft the pinch of my favorite sweater really bugged me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

pinch

2 of 3

verb

ˈpinch

as in to hold

to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

as in extra

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pinch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinch are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

When can contingency be used instead of pinch?

In some situations, the words contingency and pinch are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to pinch?

The meanings of crisis and pinch largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than pinch?

While the synonyms emergency and pinch are close in meaning, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for pinch?

The words exigency and pinch can be used in similar contexts, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When is it sensible to use juncture instead of pinch?

The words juncture and pinch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of pinch?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

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

Noun

The resulting cocktail is a balanced mix of CÎROC vodka, Coca-Cola’s Fresca Peach, grenadine, fresh lime juice, a candy peach ring garnish, and a pinch of salt. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 The Mets had a one-run lead coming into the top of the ninth, but right-hander Austin Warren put the first two hitters on base before giving up a game-tying RBI double to pinch-hitter Christian Yelich. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

This popular wireless bra uses an elastic band in place of hardware to support your chest without digging or pinching into your skin. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 On the final play of the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason opener, backup quarterback Kyle Allen scrambled left and got pinched off near the sideline. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Then pinch-hitter Nick Solak hit a sacrifice fly. — ABC News, 13 June 2026 The smart litter box includes safety sensors, an anti-pinch design, and an odor-control system. — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pinch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch

Noun

In the same time, shootings plunged 48%, robberies 35% and car thefts 20% — and those levels have generally improved or held this year.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Fortune reported on the tactic a decade ago, when fraud accounted for roughly one in 10 cargo thefts, and food was the most attractive target, since it can be resold through unscrupulous distributors with no serial numbers to trace.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of theft

Noun

Johnson had also issued an arrest warrant against him in March, ruling him in contempt of court at that time over failing to turn over the financial documents, including state and federal tax returns along with bank statements and other filings.

— Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
Zen's arrest at that time sent shock waves through the Catholic community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of arrest

Noun

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortage

Verb

Namely, a forgiving elastic waistband, a breezy, lightweight feel, and pockets that are actually deep enough to hold your essentials.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
The bag is big enough to hold all your travel essentials—even a small umbrella or tablet—and features two slip pockets and one zip pocket inside.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold

Verb

Elsewhere, stoles stole the show, particular those draped languidly over the shoulder or fashioned as cummerbunds.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
On multiple occasions, law enforcement officers have used Flock footage to identify and ultimately arrest people accused of stealing from Ulta Beauty stores.

— Kara McGrath, Allure, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

As impressive as many space-saving tiny houses are, not everyone is cut out for climbing into small lofts using movable ladders, or sleeping on a sofa bed every night.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Goldman found Koreans in their sixties save more than any other age group, retaining 37% of their income.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of save

Adjective

There have been scattered instances of athletes returning to their previous school for the extra season, including two LSU women’s soccer players who are part of the case.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The closure channeled extra traffic to and then backed up I-285 northbound on both sides of town from well before its two I-20 intersections.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of extra

Browse Nearby Words

pince-nez

pinch

pinchbeck

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Style

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pinch

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Synonyms of pinch

noun

verb

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing pinch

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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