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 This midpoint is a critical juncture for the Ducks. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 But the village said with occupancy declining, the 31-acre property is a prime candidate for redevelopment, given its location at the juncture of Lincolnwood, Skokie, and Chicago's West Rogers Park or West Ridge community. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 The Giants’ removal of Wiemer from the mix, at this juncture, was a curious decision. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025 The 43-day federal funding lapse resulted in a flash-freeze of crucial economic data at a critical juncture for American businesses and households. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Complaints about the shelter showed that problems have festered for years, reaching a breaking point after a rise in animal deaths led the agency to lose its no-kill status and city officials to call for an audit.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Freshman Carolyn Collins notched 21 points and four rebounds while teammate Molly Doyle posted a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds to lead Winchester to a 45-40 Middlesex League win over Watertown.
    Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The crash has caused an extended closure of southbound Highway 70 near the Highway 99 junction, Caltrans said.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Tandem designs stack two or more solar cells, allowing each layer to absorb different parts of the solar spectrum and generate more electricity than conventional single-junction cells.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Why Cyber Resilience Must Be Built In True cyber resilience is not about reacting better after a crisis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Han, who was appointed by Yoon, served as one of the three caretaker leaders during the martial law crisis that led to Yoon's impeachment and eventually his removal from office.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There’s just all there to kind of lift us in every moment.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • And though Li has won playoff games before in previous stops, with previous teams, winning Saturday would be a nice moment for himself, too.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The spot is a few blocks west of the busy intersection of Nordahl and West Mission roads near state Route 78.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The evolution of Sesame Solar’s positioning of its mobile systems offers a broader lesson for founders operating at the intersection of infrastructure, government, and climate technology.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a co-defendant in Cook’s case, has chosen to attend the oral arguments along with the Fed’s head lawyer, in what experts describe as an unusual show of support.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Seven Western Conference reserves are yet to be named — they’ll be voted on by head coaches — and Murray is considered likely to take one of those spots.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Doug Hendrickson posted on social media Thursday to explain his situation with Williams.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To protect against the cold, Sobti also recommends covering your mouth, nose and extremities, wearing a hat and gloves, and using extra caution in windy conditions.
    Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • For my climbing partner who suffers from chilly extremities, La Sportiva Olympus Mons, with even more insulation and integrated overboots, were a one-stop shop.
    Outside, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

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