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.
In crunch time, stability teamed with chaos to close out the Lakers as LeBron James watched from his seat on the sideline. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 So, the defense doubled down on dominance in crunch time. Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025 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 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 28 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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