squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where there is not enough room or the need to press something or someone with pressure. For example: "I had to squeeze between the two people to get to the other side of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The OECD draws a link between Britain's poor productivity record and the squeeze on living standards over recent years.

The Guardian - Business

I've really enjoyed having the opportunity for dedicated study time – something that is often difficult to squeeze in when you are working full-time.

The Guardian

Give everyone slices of toast, a head each of roast garlic and some cream cheese or goat's curd, and let each person squeeze out the puree from the cloves to spread on their toast; a simple watercress and shallot salad would be good alongside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of the gang members threatens Hogan and his new squeeze with a blade while he demands money from the couple.

The Guardian

He believes he can squeeze concessions out of the troika and he is probably right.

The Guardian - Business

The effects of the squeeze have, then, been mostly felt behind closed doors, but are nonetheless real.

The Guardian

As the squeeze tightens, the creation of new public funding avenues for film seems unlikely in the next few years.

The Guardian

Squeeze out the excess liquid and put the bread into a food processor with the harissa, garlic, egg yolk and salt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Local members always squeeze maximum benefit by fitting as many meetings and cups of tea as possible into a minister's day.

The Guardian

Put the jam into a piping bag with a long, fine nozzle and push into the centre of each square, then squeeze half a teaspoon of jam into each one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The harshest aspects for women include cuts to family payments that squeeze single parent families, lower increases to pensions, and freezing superannuation contributions as well as cutting the low-income super rebate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial difficulties, use "squeeze" to convey the feeling of being under pressure, such as a "profit squeeze" or a "budget squeeze".

Common error

Avoid using "squeeze" in purely literal contexts (applying physical pressure) when the intended meaning is figurative (e.g., financial hardship). Choose a more precise verb for physical actions.

Linguistic Context

The word "squeeze" functions as both a verb and a noun, indicating actions of applying pressure or situations of constraint. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from physical actions to economic pressures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "squeeze" is versatile, functioning as both a noun and a verb with various applications. It commonly describes applying pressure, fitting something into a tight space, or extracting something with difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, "squeeze" also carries a figurative meaning, often used in business and news contexts to describe financial pressures or constraints. Its usage spans from literal actions, like squeezing a lemon, to abstract concepts, like a budget squeeze. Therefore, understanding the context is crucial for effective communication when using the word "squeeze".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compress

Implies reducing the size or volume of something by applying pressure.

press

Suggests applying force to something, often to flatten or shape it.

constrict

Indicates tightening or narrowing something, often restricting its movement or flow.

crush

Conveys the idea of applying extreme force, often resulting in damage or destruction.

pinch

Implies a slight pressure, often between two surfaces.

extract

Suggests obtaining something by applying pressure or force.

force

Implies using power to make someone do something against their will.

wring

Suggests twisting and squeezing something to remove liquid.

oppress

To burden with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass

extort

To obtain by force, threats, or illegal means

FAQs

How can I use "squeeze" in a sentence?

You can use "squeeze" to describe applying pressure, fitting into a tight space, or extracting something with difficulty. For instance, "I had to squeeze the juice from the lemon" or "The company is facing a profit squeeze".

What are some synonyms for "squeeze"?

Alternatives to "squeeze" include "compress", "press", "constrict", or "pinch" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "squeeze" figuratively?

Using "squeeze" figuratively is appropriate when describing situations of pressure, constraint, or difficulty, such as a financial "budget squeeze" or being "caught between conflicting demands".

What's the difference between "squeeze" and "compress"?

"Squeeze" often implies applying pressure from multiple sides, while "compress" focuses on reducing volume or size. For example, you might "squeeze" a stress ball, but you "compress" data to save storage space.