Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Úrsula León, told the Spanish news service EFE on Thursday that the state of emergency had been necessary in light of the surge in violence primarily caused by Venezuelan criminals. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025 When conflict breaks out or a disaster like an earthquake strikes, people require emergency medical care, temporary shelter, food and water. Chen Reis, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers. Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025 Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emergency

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Cite this Entry

“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emergency. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on emergency

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