juncture

noun

junc·​ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər 

1

: a point of time

at this juncture

especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances

2

a

: joint, connection

b

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

3

: an instance of joining : junction

Did you know?

Join us as we journey into the history of juncture, a word that’s neither junky nor janky, but just dandy. Juncture comes from the Latin verb jungere ("to join") and has many English relatives including not only join and junction but also conjugal ("relating to marriage") and junta ("a group of persons controlling a government"). The use of juncture in English dates back to the 14th century, when it meant "a place where two or more things are joined." By the 17th century it could also refer to an important point in a process or activity.

Synonyms of juncture

• point
• moment

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

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

For another, Kohl’s needed a turnaround CEO, whereas at Levi’s, Gass inherited a company turned around years earlier by Bergh but where her zest for innovation and experience in running stores could help Levi Strauss grow at a critical juncture in its long history. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

At that stage, Wiggins was 6 of 10 from the field at the same juncture that Larsson was 1 of 8 and Adebayo 1 of 6. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

It’s been on display at various junctures this season. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Fortunately for the Sharks, that’s what’s been happening lately, as Eklund is playing some of his best hockey of the season at its most critical juncture. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for juncture

• puncture
• acupuncture
• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture

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Kids Definition

juncture

noun

junc·​ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər 

1

: an instance of joining : union

2

: joint entry 1 sense 3a, connection

3

: an important point of time

they feel they must make a decision at this juncture

junctural

-chə-rəl

adjective