crunch time
noun
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed
Synonyms
Examples of crunch time in a Sentence
The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform.
with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
Recent Examples on the Web
Brunson’s turnover was only one mistake the Knicks made in crunch time.
—
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024
This critical loss of cash came just as Boeing's space division faced crunch time to complete work on Starliner.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 6 May 2024
But while some players shy away from the moment in crunch time, players like Doncic and Irving embrace it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2024
The rookies led the charge offensively in the second half, as Jackson and Brink finished with 15 and 16 points, respectively, with each making huge plays in crunch time.
—Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for crunch time 
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024
This critical loss of cash came just as Boeing's space division faced crunch time to complete work on Starliner.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 6 May 2024
But while some players shy away from the moment in crunch time, players like Doncic and Irving embrace it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2024
The rookies led the charge offensively in the second half, as Jackson and Brink finished with 15 and 16 points, respectively, with each making huge plays in crunch time.
—Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for crunch time
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crunch time.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near crunch time
Cite this Entry
“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share