Synonyms of emergency

emergency

noun

i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē 

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action

an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crisis
• situation
• head
• exigency
• crossroad(s)
• extremity
• crunch
• flash point
• clutch
• conjuncture
• crunch time
• breaking point
• boiling point
• juncture
• point of no return
• zero hour
• Dunkirk
• tinderbox
• moment of truth
• contingency
• possibility
• predicament
• milestone
• condition
• climax
• landmark
• turning point
• corner
• happening
• hot water
• pass
• jam
• deadlock
• impasse
• spot
• pinch
• fix
• strait
• last ditch
• stalemate
• hole
• last minute
• eleventh hour
• scrape

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun emergency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emergency are contingency, crisis, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When is contingency a more appropriate choice than emergency?

The words contingency and emergency can be used in similar contexts, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

When is it sensible to use crisis instead of emergency?

The synonyms crisis and emergency are sometimes interchangeable, but crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Where would exigency be a reasonable alternative to emergency?

In some situations, the words exigency and emergency are roughly equivalent. However, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When would juncture be a good substitute for emergency?

The meanings of juncture and emergency largely overlap; however, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How is pinch related to other words for emergency?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of emergency?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of emergency

As the battle plays out in court, the Attorney General’s Office is fighting to have the case dismissed following a new state law that went into effect this year adding exceptions for medical emergencies. —Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025

Open house attendees can participate in family-friendly activities and receive a complimentary emergency preparedness and water-efficiency kit, while supplies last. —Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Louisville Metro Government has poured millions into combating the growing housing and homelessness crisis in the city, with $58 million projected to be spent on the downtown Community Care Campus, which will house a family emergency shelter, medical care spaces and behavioral health services. —Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025

What Happens Next Bondi said in a statement Cole would hold the post of emergency police commissioner for the duration of the emergency declared by the president. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025