shoehorn

Definition of shoehornnext
as in to cram
to fit (people or things) into a tight space the organizers of the county fair shoehorned the craft booths between the midway and the farm exhibits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 shoehorn Too often, modern technologies, like inter-device connectivity and artificial intelligence, are shoehorned into gadgets that would be more intuitive to use, affordable, accessible, and/or durable without them. ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026 In the meantime, without a spot to shoehorn in a Starliner docking, NASA nailed down its plans for cargo and crew missions for the remainder of 2026. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 The easiest thing to do would have been to shoehorn one player into Arvidsson’s spot next to Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 Do me a favor, call up that agent that was foolish enough to shoehorn you into this business and this show and tell him to lower the ticket prices. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoehorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoehorn
Verb
  • Christa says the biggest mistake travelers make on short layovers is trying to cram too much into the available time.
    Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the attendees crammed along the fences, craning their necks and holding their phones aloft on their tiptoes.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Job seekers in South Florida are navigating a tricky mix of stubborn inflation, high interest rates and an AI shift that’s squeezing entry-level hiring.
    Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Reviews do note that, due to the cushion stuffing being so full, a quick fluffing may be required after sitting for long periods of time, just to get the fill back to normal.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shoehorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoehorn. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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