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 is a critical juncture in the growth of AI because, while there have been significant investments made, there is also a disconnect between investment and outcome. Scott Francis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 But America at this juncture is more a dream than solid reality. Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 The film might meet Manobal at the perfect juncture. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026 The Bucks nearly dealt Antetokounmpo to the Heat at February’s NBA trade deadline, with a similar package as the current bid offered by the Heat at that juncture. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • But after losing by 32 points, the Hawks don’t have the point differential tiebreaker on their side.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • After an 0 for 6, three turnover game on Monday, Goldin was better Thursday, delivering eight points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • To maximize efficiency, a complex triple-junction solar cell was made by stacking three perovskite absorbers with varying band gaps.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
  • The work still got done, but a person stood at every junction—checking, clicking and reconciling.
    Rahul Bhatia, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Unlike wealthy nations with the reserves and infrastructure to buffer the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, import-dependent economies are more vulnerable to immediate, cascading supply chain shocks.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Also in development at Netflix is a drama starring Lizzy Caplan as a crisis PR expert, which is also based on a New York Magazine article.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • The countdown clock is ticking, and both Lestat the vampire and Lestat the TV season are frittering away their last moments on restating the facts.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Eyewear is enjoying its moment in the fashion spotlight, attracting consumers in search of self-expression as much as optical support.
    Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Near a busy intersection in Shawnee, a red, white and blue sign juts out in front of a two-story home with a white picket fence.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Bystander video filmed from a nearby car shows officers on the ground at an intersection, struggling with a man who is then pulled up to his feet.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said in a statement that the charges come after the agency received a new file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 July 2026
  • The Nazis tried to take it from Rome during the Second World War, but failed after the head of the Italian Football Federation, Ottorino Barassi, hid it in a shoebox underneath his bed.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Waymo’s support team is automatically notified if the vehicle crashes, and a roadside assistance representative will come to the collision site to assess the situation in person.
    Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • However, the Titans reported Nissan Stadium had among the highest number of lower-extremity injuries from 2018-2021 … before switching from grass to turf.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Police said the victims sustained gunshot wounds primarily to their extremities, including their arms and legs.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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