Synonym Chooser

How does the noun juncture differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of juncture are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

In what contexts can contingency take the place of juncture?

While the synonyms contingency and juncture are close in meaning, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to juncture?

Although the words crisis and juncture have much in common, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When might emergency be a better fit than juncture?

The words emergency and juncture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for juncture?

While in some cases nearly identical to juncture, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

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

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 juncture?

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 juncture However, exactly when, how often and where this critical and mysterious juncture in human history took place has been hard to pin down. Katie Hunt, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 Evans was cast as Leslie Barnes, an air traffic controller who comes to the aid of John McClane (Bruce Willis) at a critical juncture in Die Hard 2. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Dec. 2024 At this critical juncture for the film, television and streaming industries, MPA members are more excited than ever about the vitality of this region – its enthusiastic and engaged audiences, its relentless dynamism, and its immensely talented casts and crews. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024 Villa’s standout performer in pre-season had seen his career instantaneously implode at a critical juncture in proving himself to Emery. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for juncture 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • At a recent holiday party replete with writers, politicians and tastemakers, Talese, wearing a three-piece gray wool suit with a yellow silk tie with blue stripes, was stopped every few steps by boldface names (and at least one journalist) eager to discuss the finer points of men’s tailoring.
    Sadie Stein, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Johnson added 16 points and five rebounds, while Reggie Stevens chipped in with seven points and Caleb Lindsey contributed six rebounds.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In it, the railroad says it was awarded a grant to add a third track from a junction in Brooklyn south to East St. Louis.
    Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025
  • During the construction, access to Laurel Falls will be closed from both the Little River Road and the junction of Little Greenbrier Trail and Cove Mountain Trail, the NPS noted.
    Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Across the last two decades, America has been experiencing a notable maternal health crisis.
    Cynthia McEwen, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Accusations that the military’s leadership was negligent and that its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs had eroded its fighting capability and caused a recruitment crisis became standard Republican rhetoric.
    Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • While on a flight to Mexico for Alden's birthday, Riber took that moment as an opportunity to get down on one knee while thousands of feet in the air, SWNS reported.
    Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Fire always is a clear and present danger to our lives; this is a good moment to check your fire extinguishers, dust off your family escape plan and support your local firefighters.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Those are some of the insights gleaned from a survey of 2,170 resident big-game hunters asked a series of questions at the intersection of technology and hunting ethics, wildlife management, and opportunity.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Multiple residences are reportedly on fire at the intersection of Mar Vista Avenue and Marcheta Street in Altadena.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.
    John Roach, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
  • Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.
    J. Harry Jones, Ramona Sentinel, 19 July 2017
Noun
  • In a classic Catch-22 situation, wolves have left their million-acre sanctuary in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness because their primary prey, the whitetail deer, lost its foothold in a wilderness devoid of browse.
    Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The affected region’s geography and weather, paired with climate change and suburban sprawl in fire-prone areas, created a vulnerable situation.
    Evan Bush, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Arteriosclerosis may cause symptoms such as high blood pressure or decreased blood circulation to the extremities, leading to leg pain or cramping, often during physical activity.
    Anisha Shah, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Her agile lower extremities might lead you to believe that Foster is made of rubber.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near juncture

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on juncture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!