crisis

noun

ˈkrī-səs How to pronounce crisis (audio)
Definition of crisisnext
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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Synonym Chooser

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

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 crisis Fast forward 20 years and Cahill is going through a divorce from his wife, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), struggling financially and facing a career crisis. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 24 July 2025 Associated Press Despite concern in some political circles, experts suggest the falling birth rate reflects broader cultural and economic shifts, rather than an imminent population crisis. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 The border row also kicked off a domestic political crisis in Thailand, where prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office pending an ethics probe over her conduct. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025 This is one of the conclusions of an unprecedented advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal obligations of states in the face of this environmental crisis. —Fernanda González, Wired News, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for crisis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisis
  1. emergency
  2. situation
  3. head
  4. extremity
  5. exigency
  6. crunch
Noun
  • O’Brien suggested achieving those goals through modernizing infrastructure that provides low-power cellular and Wi-Fi services, which could help first responders stay connected during an emergency when the service might decrease.
    — Pili Saravia, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • However, students are not allowed to use the devices during class, unless a teacher gives them permission for educational, health or emergency purposes.
    — Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
Definition of emergency
Noun
  • Kane said this new program will be unique because a social worker and peer support advocate will present and ready to assist anyone working through a difficult situation or needing more assistance.
    — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • Radke also alleged that Lee had threatened him over the situation, a claim Furlan backed up in her video.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of situation
Noun
  • There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head.
    — Mike Hutton, Post-Tribune, 19 July 2017
  • Delimitros said one of the truck’s side view mirrors struck her in the head, causing minor injuries.
    — David Hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, 19 July 2017
Definition of head
Noun
  • Numbness Nerve damage in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), can happen over time in people with high blood sugar.
    — Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Sitting still for an extended period can cause circulation to slow, which results in fluids in your body accumulating in your lower extremities, aka swollen feet and ankles.
    — Katie Akin, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of extremity
Noun
  • What to know: Lawmakers have pressed TSU to declare financial exigency.
    — Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Under the incoming Biden administration, the United States should work with like-minded countries to build the resilient infrastructure needed to scale up global vaccine manufacturing capacity in this and future pandemics—an exigency that all nations share.
    — Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 29 Dec. 2020
Definition of exigency
Noun
  • This points to a double crunch: first, China will need to increase recruitment incentives as the youth population shrinks.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Even Duran — who started all but two games last season — has gotten more rest than usual thanks in part to the club’s roster crunch.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
Definition of crunch

Browse Nearby Words

crises
crisis
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Cite this Entry

“Crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisis. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crisis

Nglish: Translation of crisis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crisis

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