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

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 juncture Horner leaves at a crucial juncture in F1, as Red Bull faces challenges with its RB21 F1 car, and for the first time in the current ground effect era that began in 2022, Verstappen is not leading the Drivers' Championship. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 Many prominent energy and hardware startups have faltered at this critical juncture, struggling to transition from promising prototypes to reliable performance in real-world settings at scale. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 The five-Test series against India is at a critical juncture, locked at 1-1 after the visitors’ emphatic 336-run victory at Edgbaston. Max Mathews, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Critics in both the U.S. and Europe argue that withholding military aid at a critical juncture risks emboldening Russia and could force Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Napheesa Collier finished with 25 points and nine rebounds, Courtney Williams added 23 points and five assists, and the Lynx had season bests in points, rebounds and free throws in dominating Las Vegas 109-78.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 26 July 2025
  • At some point, deputies sent a drone inside the home to determine if the woman was being held inside against her will, but the man attacked and broke the device, investigators said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Also on Sunday, 12 people were killed and dozens injured when an Israeli airstrike targeted a crowded junction in central Gaza, according to the Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • This phase will include replacing a two-track corridor with a modern four-track system across the Washington Channel and into the L'Enfant rail junction.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Things happen, our heroes react, a potentially world-ending crisis is easily averted and everything is wrapped up in time for dinner.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Yet this rift still coincides with a deepening fiscal crisis.
    Joël Té-Léssia Assoko, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Every leader eventually encounters a moment when a team member seems distracted, overwhelmed or simply not like themselves.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
  • Their presence can ease anxiety, reduce loneliness, and bring moments of joy and comfort that transcend memory loss.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The crash happened just after 7 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of South Downing Street and and East Arkansas Avenue, police said.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
  • Protestors started from Metcalfe Park Community Bridges' rear lot and marched across the Pick 'n Save parking lot to the intersection of N. 36th Street and W. Meinecke Avenue.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 18 July 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
  • 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
  • At the time, Armstrong acknowledged the situation in a statement that didn't mention Masterson by name.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 July 2025
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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 29 Jul. 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!