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
-
There are several international destinations where pickpocketing is extremely common, so having all of my essentials close is a priority.—
Jordyn Burrell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025 -
Ask any top-flight manager to draw up the frame and skill set of their ideal midfielder, all rules of creation in their hands, and Toure would be the closest facsimile.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The savings are pretty impressive — up to 63 percent off, to be exact.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Round trip airfare in April and May costs $861 for a savings of 21% compared to the summer, according to Hopper.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 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
-
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
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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
Adjective
-
Although careful planning is essential, action generates momentum.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Overall, Coney Barrett took a very careful route, avoiding the more strident criticism of the Trump administration while siding with the liberals in criticizing the Supreme Court majority for agreeing to take the case.—
Sean O'Driscoll,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Pinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinching. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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