as in close
giving or sharing as little as possible
neighborhood kids who were trick-or-treating knew better than to bother to knock on that pinching couple's door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in saving
the quality or practice of being overly sparing with money
this constant pinching is getting ridiculous—we can afford to turn on one or two lights!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in stealing
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
3
as in arresting
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
4
as in conserving
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinching
Adjective
-
They were later photographed briefly locking lips at the event, fueling speculation about their curiously close relationship. 7.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025 -
Gavin Newsom California's governor is close behind, or tied, with Buttigieg in the recent polling.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Cutting Smith prior to June 1 would give the Lions nearly $6 million in cap savings without any dead-money penalties.—
Dan Pompei,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
-
As well as lambasting the bankers for their recklessness and greed, Warren was demanding the creation of a new agency to defend the interests of mortgage holders, savings depositors, credit-card holders, and anybody else who was obliged to deal with banks and other financial companies.—
John Cassidy,
The New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming copolymers, which help with flexibility, holding the eyelash's curl, and boosting temperature resistance.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Shakespeare, affectionately known as ‘Two Balls Shakey’ because of his penchant for holding a ball under each arm in training and during warm-up drills, contributed hugely to two promotions from League One in 2009 and the Championship in 2014, the great escape of 2015 and the 5000-1 title success.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
As Andrew Lloyd Webber’s go-to orchestrator during some of the composer’s most creative years, Cullen has translated many of the composer’s most arresting melodies into lush, full-bodied and evocative orchestral music.—
Darryn King,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
By then, Texas police were beginning to surpass federal authorities in arresting and prosecuting people for human smuggling.—
Alejandro Serrano,
Austin American-Statesman,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In 1980, voters overwhelmingly chose Reagan’s sunny optimism over Carter’s gloomy warnings about cutting back and conserving.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Addressing these inefficiencies through sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, energy audits and waste-to-energy solutions is crucial to reducing the global carbon footprint, conserving resources, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Be careful to not over mix the bread-stir just until combined for a better texture.—
Bev Barrett,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Mayor Cherelle Parker advises citizens on Thursday to be careful when celebrating the Super Bowl.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Vagabond quarterback Sam Darnold has kept the Vikings (10-2) nipping at the heels of the Lions all season.—
Jim Reineking,
USA TODAY,
6 Dec. 2024
-
The contest had narrowed considerably in the final weeks, and polls showed Hovde nipping at Baldwin’s heels.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Take a look through the list, then pick your potion—and be sure to consult with your physician before swiping anything onto your delicate lash line.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Using it is as simple as placing a few drops on a cotton round and swiping it across your face.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
19 Dec. 2024
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.
Thesaurus Entries Near pinching
Cite this Entry
“Pinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinching. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share