juncture

noun

junc·ture | \ ˈjəŋ(k)-chər

Definition of juncture

1 : a point of time at this juncture especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances

2a : joint, connection

b : the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech

3 : an instance of joining : junction

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about juncture

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for juncture

juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis 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 exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation. provide for exigencies emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster. the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. contingency plans pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency. come through in a pinch strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult. in dire straits crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. a crisis of confidence

Did You Know?

Juncture has many relatives in English - and some of them are easy to spot, whereas others are not so obvious. Juncture derives from the Latin verb jungere (to join), which gave us not only join and junction but also conjugal (relating to marriage) and junta (a group of persons controlling a government). Jungere also has distant etymological connections to joust, jugular, juxtapose, yoga and yoke. The use of juncture in English dates back to the 14th century. Originally, the word meant "a place where two or more things are joined," but by the 17th century it could also be used of an important point in time or of a stage in a process or activity.

Examples of juncture in a Sentence

Negotiations between the countries reached a critical juncture. At this juncture it looks like they are going to get a divorce. the juncture of two rivers

Recent Examples on the Web

That gives the 1980 American League Cy Young Award winner from Cleveland — a full-time White Sox announcer since 2008 — a unique perspective on the Cubs-Sox rivalry, especially at this particular juncture. — Phil Rosenthal, chicagotribune.com, "Steve Stone has seen it all in his time with the Cubs and White Sox: ‘Both of these fandoms are on a collision course’," 5 July 2019 His recruitment appears to be open at this juncture. — Steven Lorenz, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football recruiting: Who will be in Ann Arbor for big visit weekend," 21 June 2019 The exhibition was a cross-departmental juncture, with people from different parts of the museum coming together to curate it. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "Brooklyn Museum's "Nobody Promised You Tomorrow" Exhibition Celebrates the Future of Stonewall's Legacy," 17 June 2019 Goldson has gotten strong reviews at several junctures of her year as interim leader. — Washington Post, "Schools chief who led Md. system after predecessor left amid scandals gets permanent post," 18 June 2019 Located behind the Bergen Village townhouse development, the project site sits at the juncture of an urban neighborhood and the city’s Industrial Valley. — Jordyn Grzelewski, cleveland.com, "Tremont’s Electric Gardens development moves forward with nod from planning commission," 7 June 2019 The best place from which to see them is the juncture of nave and transept. — Bruce Dale, National Geographic, "Adored, neglected, and restored: A 1968 Nat Geo feature explored Notre Dame," 17 Apr. 2019 After a seven-hour battle, firemen Saturday night contained a stubborn brush fire which swept across 35 acres at the juncture of three canyons in Angeles National Forest 5 1/2 miles above La Cañada. — Scott Harrison, latimes.com, "From the Archives: Helicopters fight a 1966 brush fire," 10 July 2018 At three critical junctures in his career, James dictated the terms of his employment to the league’s billionaire owners. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "LeBron James and the NBA teach us a lot about labor in America," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'juncture.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.