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
  • After coming into power, the Malian military junta expelled French forces from the country in 2022, citing protection of national sovereignty and a worsening security crisis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Migration is a sensitive issue across Europe, where right-wing parties have surged in the decade since a 2015 crisis when more than a million people crossed the continent mainly on foot and sought asylum, most fleeing war in Syria.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of crisis
Noun
  • With the offense in a third-and-goal situation from the 6-yard line, all eyes were on the unit to punctuate its most successful day of practice so far.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the 106 rooms—the penthouse situation the exception—are snug.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Dunkirk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dunkirk

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