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

Bellini is available at Sephora globally—a pinch-me moment for Chody. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2026 The discontinuation of the Big Ten and SEC title games may make for a bit of a pinch on the ad sales front, as those broadcasts have recently begun putting up big numbers for their respective rights holders. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

While higher gasoline prices have pinched drivers, high diesel prices are pressuring consumers more broadly. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 For each strip, pinch the ends, then gently stretch while twisting until 8 inches long. — Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 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

The charges against Strange arose after studio employees alerted the FBI of the theft in January 2025, alleging the unfinished releases were shared to a number of online platforms.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The economic impact of business vandalism in France extends the economic consequences of retail theft.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of theft

Noun

The familyâs legal team filed complaints targeting Iranian officials who bankrolled Hamas, slamming the ICC for double standards and demanding arrest warrants for the regime bosses backing the atrocity.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Watt joined play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson after Tony Romo went on leave following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

Until now, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has insisted the men were still alive and being held by gangs.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold

Verb

Catcher William Contreras then threw out Simpson attempting to steal second after Simpson slid off the bag.

— Zak Gilbert, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Tracy Letts steals the movie as a dryly observant United Artists studio head who’s eventually disarmed by Sly’s charms.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

Finally, grab 32% off the Eufy E340 Security Video Doorbell with Chime, providing dual 2K cameras and color night vision.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

Yes, but this doesn’t save a business from the compliance nightmare.

— Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The first in the ACOTAR series, the romantasy novel introduces us to Feyre Archeron, a human woman who agrees to go live in the fairie realm of Prythian in order to save her family.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of save

Adjective

While Milwaukee started with its ace, Tampa Bay countered with Nick Martinez to give two-time All-Star pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta an extra day of rest.

— Steve Megaree, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
In Miami-Dade, apartment renters could find themselves on the hook for an extra $291 per year to pay off their landlords’ higher property tax bills.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pinch

noun

verb

adjective

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Phrases Containing pinch

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Cite this Entry

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