PINCHING Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

pinching 1 of 3

adjective

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

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pinching

2 of 3

noun

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!

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pinching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of pinch

as in holding

to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the zipper on those jeans always pinches me

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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

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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

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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

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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 pinching

Noun

Why Perennials Need Pruning Flowers-Kimmerle explains that deadheading, pinching, and cutting back are all forms of perennial pruning. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026 Avoid the inevitable pinching and riding up by opting for a more sophisticated silhouette, like the Willit Tailored Linen Shorts. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 This pair has an identical strap design to Stewart’s style, made of a knit fabric to minimize uncomfortable rubbing and pinching. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 18 July 2026 The headband is flexible for a perfect fit, and the adjustable earcups have plush cushioning to prevent pinching. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The penny pinching doesn’t exactly translate with the NBA, a players’ league and one where market size to elevate brand is difficult in Portland. — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 The result is a weeknight-friendly meal with no need for folding and pinching. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026 The memory foam construction also provides plush cushioning to prevent pinching. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

Verb

This popular wireless bra uses an elastic band in place of hardware to support your chest without digging or pinching into your skin. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 To paste somewhere else, do the opposite gesture by pinching or spreading three fingers open. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Begin pruning or pinching back basil once plants are about 8 inches tall. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026 Those with fine hair can make their braids appear almost twice as thick by gently pinching and pulling each section apart before pinning it into place. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Aug. 2026 Newcastle’s home had been the scene of raucous celebration that Thursday evening, a reaction to the news the penny-pinching Mike Ashley era was over and, more notably, that he had been replaced by the richest sovereign wealth fund on Earth. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 While pinching the wraps in your fingers, pull the tag end slowly. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026 Other students join in by hitting, punching and pinching the boy. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 24 July 2026 Treat Culture And Bureaucracy As Balance-Sheet Issues The stereotype of the penny-pinching CFO is often wrong—but the attitude is common on the part of many other executives. — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinching

Adjective

The technology, used in all Metro Nashville Public Schools, didn’t spot the weapon because the shooter wasn’t close enough to cameras for the system to get an accurate read and activate the alarm, the district said.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
June 21 – July 22 A plan with someone close may need to fit what serves you close to home.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Noun

This year, though, with the Jays exiting a buy-and-sell deadline in danger of squandering their season, Kirk’s latest heater might be season-saving.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The other is a reference to the genre, presented as endangered and in need of saving.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of saving

Verb

This finding, the authors said, suggested soft tissue was still holding the skeleton in place.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The Austrian has played an active role in recruitment, holding near-daily conversations with George Syrianos, the club’s influential chief football officer.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

Since his administration launched its mass deportation campaign and reversed limits on ICE arresting military spouses and parents, such arrests have become more common.

— Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Law enforcement arrived within two minutes, officials said, before engaging the two shooters and arresting them.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of arresting

Verb

The hotel’s environmental commitment includes conserving resources through their rainwater collection irrigation system as well as water flow restrictors installed in all showers, toilets, and sinks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Ayala Land is shoring up funds and conserving capital amid a weakness in the residential property market as the ongoing Iran war has tempered consumer spending and slowed economic growth.

— Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of conserving

Adjective

Apply the serum directly to sparse areas of your brows, being careful to avoid letting the product touch other areas of your skin.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
According to the researchers, careful process design and optimization as well as architecture simplification could help in solving most of these issues, something that industrial production focuses on much more than academic researchers.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of careful

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“Pinching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinching. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pinching

adjective

noun

verb

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