Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exigency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exigency are contingency, crisis, emergency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When can contingency be used instead of exigency?

In some situations, the words contingency and exigency are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

In what contexts can crisis take the place of exigency?

While in some cases nearly identical to exigency, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than exigency?

Although the words emergency and exigency have much in common, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Where would juncture be a reasonable alternative to exigency?

The words juncture and exigency are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exigency?

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 exigency?

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 exigency Financial woes at other colleges became so severe they were forced to declare financial exigency or close entirely. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 The point there is that O’Brien is no stranger to the exigencies of pressure as felt at the Breeders’. Guy Martin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Economic exigencies are often more urgent than a deference to the past, but Little Tokyo is trying to have it both ways. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024 How will our panicked leaders react to this sudden exigency? Steve Laffey, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for exigency 

Thesaurus Entries Near exigency

Cite this Entry

“Exigency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exigency. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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