the squeeze

noun

informal
: a situation that causes feelings of stress and pressure
We are really feeling the squeeze since I lost my job.
The government is putting the squeeze on tax evaders.

Examples of the squeeze in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Speaking of presence, Season 4 does feel the squeeze of its sprawling cast. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 For women caught in the middle, the squeeze can be even tighter. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 Diesel fuel has hit record prices and that's putting the squeeze on public school districts all across the country. — Cbscolorado.com Staff, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Some voters say Trump’s optimism feels out of touch; many loyal supporters still trust his leadership and credit his policies despite feeling the squeeze. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The squeeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20squeeze. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster