Thesaurus results for EMERGENCY

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

Some common synonyms of emergency are contingency , crisis , exigency , juncture , pinch , straits , and strait . While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," 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 'contingency' a more appropriate choice than 'emergency'?

The words contingency and emergency can be used in similar contexts, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. // contingency plans

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

The synonyms crisis and emergency are sometimes interchangeable, but crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. // a crisis of confidence

Q: Where would 'exigency' be a reasonable alternative to 'emergency'?

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

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

The meanings of juncture and emergency largely overlap; however, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events. // an important juncture in our country's history

Q: How is 'pinch' related to other words for 'emergency'?

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 'emergency'?

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

emergency

noun

i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē

Definition of emergency next

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun emergency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emergency are contingency, crisis, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When is contingency a more appropriate choice than emergency?

The words contingency and emergency can be used in similar contexts, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

When is it sensible to use crisis instead of emergency?

The synonyms crisis and emergency are sometimes interchangeable, but crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Where would exigency be a reasonable alternative to emergency?

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

provide for exigencies

When would juncture be a good substitute for emergency?

The meanings of juncture and emergency largely overlap; however, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How is pinch related to other words for emergency?

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 emergency?

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

in dire straits

Examples 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 emergency An application for an emergency absentee ballot will have to be filled out. —

Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 Alfaro, 30, set up shop early Monday at a Baptist church in southeast Oklahoma City, where residents sifted through debris and emergency responders worked to restore power and clear wreckage – even as rounds of thunderstorms barreled across the region. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 In an emergency briefing, the head of the CEC called on Marneuli’s election officials to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. —

Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 That means having more Los Angeles Police Department officers and emergency medical responders on the streets. —

Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emergency