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Definitions

feel the pinch

VERB
need
Synonyms
STRONGEST
call for demand desire lack require
STRONG
claim covet crave exact hanker hunger long lust miss necessitate pine thirst wish yearn
WEAK
be deficient be deprived be down and out be hard up be in need of be in want be inadequate be needy be poor be short be without die for do without drive for feel a dearth of feel the necessity for go hungry have occasion for have occasion to have use for hurt for suffer privation yen for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
have not want
STRONG
abjure despise dislike give hate
WEAK
do not want

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, sentiment in the oil-related sector deteriorated sharply amid market volatility, signaling that some businesses are starting to feel the pinch from the fallout of the conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

But despite the higher price for their sheep, upland farmers with tight margins feel the pinch more than many when diesel and oil costs go up.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

He believes that if the labor market continues to weaken, at some point consumers will feel the pinch, threatening a key pillar of the U.S. economy.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

As rates rise, home buyers feel the pinch.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2024

I could feel the pinch of its heat.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline