Thesaurus results for CRISIS

Q: How does the noun 'crisis' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crisis are contingency , emergency , exigency , juncture , pinch , straits , and strait . While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. // a crisis of confidence

Q: Where would 'contingency' be a reasonable alternative to 'crisis'?

The words contingency and crisis are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. // contingency plans

Q: When would 'emergency' be a good substitute for 'crisis'?

The meanings of emergency and crisis largely overlap; however, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster. // the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Q: When is it sensible to use 'exigency' instead of 'crisis'?

In some situations, the words exigency and crisis are roughly equivalent. However, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation. // provide for exigencies

Q: When is 'juncture' a more appropriate choice than 'crisis'?

Although the words juncture and crisis have much in common, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events. // an important juncture in our country's history

Q: How does the word 'pinch' relate to other synonyms for 'crisis'?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency . // come through in a pinch

Q: How are the words 'strait' and 'straits' related as synonyms of 'crisis'?

Strait , now commonly straits , applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult. // in dire straits

crisis

noun

ˈkrī-səs

Definition of crisis next

as in emergency

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action the governor responded swiftly and surely to the crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun crisis differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crisis are contingency, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Where would contingency be a reasonable alternative to crisis?

The words contingency and crisis are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

When would emergency be a good substitute for crisis?

The meanings of emergency and crisis largely overlap; however, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When is it sensible to use exigency instead of crisis?

In some situations, the words exigency and crisis are roughly equivalent. However, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When is juncture a more appropriate choice than crisis?

Although the words juncture and crisis have much in common, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for crisis?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of crisis?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of crisis The Trump administration says dismantling the agency is grounded in efforts to save government money, though some experts have warned that freezing its funds will intensify global humanitarian crises. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025 This discussion will touch on themes of artistic intuition, the role of photography in shaping environmental consciousness, and how visual storytelling can become a tool for transformation in an era of climate crisis. —

Photovogue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025 Trump has routinely mocked the governor but cooperated in times of crisis. —

David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 Years of destructive policies, under both Republican and Democrat presidencies, have created heartbreaking human rights and humanitarian crises across the country, from small towns to big cities. —

Amy Fischer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crisis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisis

Noun

As this extreme weather event continues, officials will monitor conditions and provide updates on emergency measures.

— Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
But in 2022, Mr. Bukele declared a state of emergency to quell gang violence, and sent the military into the streets, arresting tens of thousands of people around the country, accusing them of gang ties or other crimes.

— Annie Correal, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025