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Synonyms

squeaker

American  
[skwee-ker] / ˈskwi kər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that squeaks.

  2. Informal. a contest or game won by a very small margin.

  3. Informal. a dangerous situation.


Etymology

Origin of squeaker

First recorded in 1635–45; squeak + -er 1

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.

In a squeaker race for Cannes’ top prize, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu prevailed on Saturday, taking the Palme d’Or for his tense community drama “Fjord.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

He had just 172 yards passing while splitting time with Horn in a season-opening win over South Dakota, then threw for 204 yards in a 23-19 squeaker over Middle Tennessee State.

From Washington Times • Sep. 17, 2023

Now it’s time for a visit from Iowa State, which won its only other road game, a 10-7 squeaker over Iowa on Sept. 10.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2022

Polling suggests that the candidate they’re choosing to go with is Mark Ronchetti, a weatherman from Albuquerque who lost the 2020 Senate race in a surprisingly close squeaker.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2022

Well, some of the toy animals have a squeaker inside them, and make a noise when you press it.

From The Story of a Stuffed Elephant by Hope, Laura Lee

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