conjuncture

noun

con·​junc·​ture kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-chər 

1

: conjunction, union

2

: a combination of circumstances or events usually producing a crisis : juncture

Synonyms

• boiling point
• breaking point
• clutch
• crisis
• crossroad(s)
• crunch
• crunch time
• Dunkirk
• emergency
• exigency
• extremity
• flash point
• head
• juncture
• tinderbox
• zero hour

Examples of conjuncture in a Sentence

an unfortunate conjuncture of events—peak demand at a time of reduced output from hurricane-ravished refineries—resulted in skyrocketing gas prices

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Litman, the company works closely with and employs a variety of therapists, thinking of themselves as working in conjuncture with their mechanical counterparts, not against them. —Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024

Whether Europe actually manages to create a liberal empire strong enough to defend the interests and values of Europeans will, as always in human history, depend on conjuncture, luck, collective will, and individual leadership. —Timothy Garton Ash, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023

Mungiu wants to tell a story about people in trouble, to offer a universal moral lesson, and to analyze a particular political conjuncture—and for the most part these elements tend to strengthen and deepen one another, even if his ambition at times puts them under too much strain. —Lidija Haas, The New Republic, 27 Apr. 2023

Elsewhere Gold gained on more stimulus conjuncture. —Rey Mashayekhi, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2020

The new marketing materials come after 18 months of work led by Jenny Dexter, the city’s former communications manager in conjuncture with consultants and surveys. —Cincinnati.com, 13 Apr. 2020

In conjuncture with this, A Bola (via Sport Witness) have reported that Spurs have requested a new meeting, meaning further developments could be imminent. —SI.com, 2 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1