Definition of juncturenext

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 In his new book, Ethnic Studies at the Crossroads, Black studies scholar George Lipsitz contextualizes the state of ethnic studies as existing at a similar juncture of collision and divergence. Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 Ganesh declines to speculate where Mohan could be, in all aspects, at that juncture. Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 Trailing by as much as 29 points at one juncture and by 20 in fourth quarter, the New York Knicks pulled off the greatest comeback game in NBA Finals history at Madison Square Garden to take a 3-1 game series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 10 June 2026 Facing a critical juncture on the path of NBA development, Tidjane Salaün understands the assignment in front of him over the coming weeks. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • But an array of issues ultimately lost La Roja the three points – and more worryingly, point towards some potentially bad habits that could cost this team a chance of lifting its second World Cup.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Restricting the key waterway, which is crucial to the world's oil supply and has become one of the main points of negotiation in the war, comes amid continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to Iran's top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • These are carefully compiled for each city, meter-by-meter, junction by junction, before a car can operate there.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2026
  • Bananal Island lies between the Javae and Araguaia rivers at the junction of Brazil's top soy and cattle-producing states of Tocantins, Mato Grosso and Para.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • That helped resolve Europe’s emerging jet fuel crisis and Australia’s diesel shortage.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • The revelation about the IRS seizure comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over taxpayer funds used to fight the homelessness crisis.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Key moment The Dream controlled the game early.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 23 June 2026
  • Because she had already been assessed a technical foul moments earlier, the shove counted as her second of the night, earning an automatic ejection.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Instead of catering to automobile traffic like typical intersection signal systems, Jung's invention adjusts crossing signal times based on the slowest pedestrian's pace.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • The groups also added onto the old building with a three-story, angled atrium to provide greater visibility for the Aspire Center from the intersection of Madison and Central.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The Scorpio moon fills your head with future plans for creative expansion.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Wilson joins a Bulls team that has signaled a full rebuild this summer, installing a new head coach and front office before the draft.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The team agreed to acquire wing Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder in exchange for two second-round picks, according to a person familiar with the situation.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • In other words, no update on America’s most important lower extremity.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Baltimore County police are investigating how two youths obtained a gun that discharged Thursday and wounded one of them in the lower extremity, police said.
    Meghan Curtis, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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