Dunkirk

noun

ˈdən-ˌkərk How to pronounce Dunkirk (audio)
Definition of Dunkirknext
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action with the company facing a financial Dunkirk, it was hoped that the new CEO could turn things around—and fast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Dunkirk
  1. crisis
  2. situation
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
Definition of crisis
Noun
  • Lamine Yamal also complained about the readaptation exercises he was given after suffering a groin injury, but the situation blew up when Raphinha suffered multiple setbacks from a hamstring injury in October.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Wars and greenhouse gases The greenhouse gas emissions generated by the war add yet another dimension to an already grave situation.
    — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
Definition of situation
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.

Browse Nearby Words

dunking
Dunkirk
Dunkirks
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Cite this Entry

“Dunkirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Dunkirk. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Dunkirk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dunkirk

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