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
But oil also affects the cost of producing things and transporting them to your local store, so even consumers who don’t drive or use public transportation will eventually feel the squeeze of more expensive oil one way or another.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 17 June 2025
In recent days, he’s acknowledged that U.S. consumers will likely feel the squeeze of tariffs with rising costs and should consider buying less.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 May 2025
Remove 95 years of context with the Irish and, to his point, the juice probably isn’t worth the squeeze.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
So with prices rising across the board, many families now have to weigh whether travel is worth the squeeze.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the squeeze
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.
Medora Lee, USA Today, 17 June 2025
In recent days, he’s acknowledged that U.S. consumers will likely feel the squeeze of tariffs with rising costs and should consider buying less.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 May 2025
Remove 95 years of context with the Irish and, to his point, the juice probably isn’t worth the squeeze.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
So with prices rising across the board, many families now have to weigh whether travel is worth the squeeze.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the squeeze
Cite this Entry
“The squeeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20squeeze. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share