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
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.
That’s when Canales and Idzik will likely test him in crunch time. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2025 In crunch time, Minnesota finally took a one-point lead on a jumper from Napheesa Collier that silenced the Ballhall faithful. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025 But crunch time in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings down 17-6, McCarthy answered the call. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Pre-snap reads and post-snap adjustments can prove critical in crunch time. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crunch time

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crunch time was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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