1
as in step
a very small distance or degree
give them an inch, and they'll take a mile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
1
as in to encroach
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits
every year the water inches further up the embankments, threatening to permanently engulf the island city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inch
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
The humanoid stands 155 cm (5 feet 1 inch) tall, weighs approximately 66 kg (146 lbs), and includes 23 degrees of freedom excluding end effectors.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Radier Odhiambo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2026
Every stretch had brought its own challenges, but these past few days had been especially brutal, the crewmembers fording streams, inching through hub-deep mud, sleeping in the car, dodging hail under rubber blankets, catching a night’s rest at a farmhouse as violent rain pounded the roof.
—Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Noun
The key is to water deeply but infrequently, making sure soil is soaked to a 12-18 inch depth.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
The humanoid stands 155 cm (5 feet 1 inch) tall, weighs approximately 66 kg (146 lbs), and includes 23 degrees of freedom excluding end effectors.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Verb
Lines of cars inch forward with flags draped from windows, their horns blaring in rhythm with rousing chants.
—Radier Odhiambo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2026
Every stretch had brought its own challenges, but these past few days had been especially brutal, the crewmembers fording streams, inching through hub-deep mud, sleeping in the car, dodging hail under rubber blankets, catching a night’s rest at a farmhouse as violent rain pounded the roof.
—Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inch
Noun
-
Here are some reasons for curling tomato leaves and next steps to take to save your crop.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
Miami reaching the national title game was a major step for a program that had been in a 20-year slumber.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The three of us walked onto the stage and sat down in black leather armchairs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
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Here's a look at which performers have pulled out and those that are still set to take the stage.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
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This helped accommodate patients who could not, or chose not to, be seen in person at the height of covid transmission.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
While Star City hasn’t quite yet reached the heights of its predecessor, the five hours (of eight) sent to critics satisfy as both a companion series and one capable of standing all on its own.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Immersive experiences like Meow Wolf, Activate Games, or the Sphere in Las Vegas are also encroaching, offering visitors something truly novel (no offense to funnel cakes).—
HubSpot,
HubSpot,
1 June 2026
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In Kalokol, a major fishing community on the lake's western shore, many have now been displaced three times as the waters continue to encroach.—
Tommy Trenchard,
NPR,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
For Paul, dragging long sheets of metal was intensive.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
The United States’ stockpiles of crude oil, gasoline and diesel are falling fast as the war with Iran drags on.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
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The autopsy documented a ligature mark around Parker’s neck and fractures and hemorrhaging consistent with hanging.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
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Paul Anthony Kelly is spotted on the streets of New York City on May 26 rocking a boat-neck navy sweater, black glasses and a big smile.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
Noun
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And as the graduation caps flew high, Marcelo knows this will be a new chapter in his life and a new perspective.—
Paul Burton,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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While graduation marks the end of one financial chapter, these are some of the next important financial decisions a young adult will face.—
VaNessa Duplessie,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
At sunset, the city starts glowing around you while traffic crawls silently below.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 May 2026
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Rescuers say the best course of action is to drain the cave, so the five can crawl out.—
Kocha Olarn,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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