crunch time
noun
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed
Examples of crunch time in a Sentence
The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform.
with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
Recent Examples on the Web
While Tampa Bay has enjoyed some good fortune late in games (4-1 in one-score games), Mayfield just might be that guy in crunch time.
—
Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Vance Joseph relied heavily on simulated pressures against Philadelphia and then did away with any simulation in crunch time against New York.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Lindsey showed the last element in crunch time Saturday, trailing 28-24 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
In addition to their defense, special teams was a major culprit, particularly in crunch time.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
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Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Vance Joseph relied heavily on simulated pressures against Philadelphia and then did away with any simulation in crunch time against New York.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Lindsey showed the last element in crunch time Saturday, trailing 28-24 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
In addition to their defense, special teams was a major culprit, particularly in crunch time.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
Cite this Entry
“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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