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 next

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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pinch

3 of 3

adjective

as in extra

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and pepper to boost healthy fats and flavor. —

Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025 Maryland feels the primary pinch Deep-blue Maryland has been a stronghold for Democrats in general elections for decades. —

Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

Reviewers love how flattering the shorts are and note that the fabric has a light compression that shapes and lifts without pinching or squeezing. —

Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025 Ashton, whose poem was selected via an online contest in 2022, was pinching herself after registering as a virtual guest with NASA to watch the launch and has her fingers crossed for a successful mission. —

Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025

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. —

Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, 26 Sep. 2020 See all Example Sentences for pinch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinch

Noun

Anyone with information about the collision and theft may call traffic investigators at 510-777-8570 or Criminal Investigation Division investigators at 510-238-3326.

— Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
The first major legislation taken up by the new Congress was the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of migrants without legal status charged with burglary, theft and shoplifting.

— Niall Stanage, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025

Definition of theft

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Style

“Pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinch. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 4 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of pinch

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