Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crisis differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crisis are contingency, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Where would contingency be a reasonable alternative to crisis?

The words contingency and crisis are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

When would emergency be a good substitute for crisis?

The meanings of emergency and crisis largely overlap; however, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When is it sensible to use exigency instead of crisis?

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

provide for exigencies

When is juncture a more appropriate choice than crisis?

Although the words juncture and crisis have much in common, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for crisis?

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 crisis?

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

in dire straits

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of crisis Many had grown accustomed to the solitude of death row, its stale smell and the frequent rants from inmates in mental health crisis. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 With 430 million tons of plastic waste generated annually and less than 10% of it recycled, the plastic crisis is out of control. Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Advocates have long called for the RGB to freeze or rollback the rents as tenants struggle with the twin housing and affordability crises. Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025 The biggest challenges facing Fort Worth include the hiring of a new police chief during a mental health crisis that law enforcement is failing to address effectively. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crisis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisis
Noun
  • The incident briefly halted the game as emergency crews responded.
    Jason Volack, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Define what qualifies as an emergency When you’re caught up in a work issue, solving it feels urgent.
    Melody Wilding, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Flight passenger orders pizza for entire plane amid 4-hour delay A generous plane passenger whose departure from South Carolina had been delayed for four hours tried to make the best of a frustrating situation by ordering pizza for everyone on the flight at Charleston International Airport.
    Perri Ormont Blumberg, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The organization also suggests utilizing a monitoring device for these children in some situations, and points out the importance of establishing a community that can help support the kids.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head.
    Mike Hutton, Post-Tribune, 19 July 2017
  • Delimitros said one of the truck’s side view mirrors struck her in the head, causing minor injuries.
    David Hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, 19 July 2017
Noun
  • Between the six patients, there were gunshots to the torso, face and other extremities, Howard said.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But the whole book is a wondrous exploration of the extremities of existence.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the face of tragedy, Dess’s narrator memorably dramatizes the anxiety-inducing exigencies of the creative arts, and the need of artists to remain focussed on their craft.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
  • In addition, institutions that reduce or close a program, department, college, or position because of a reinvestment plan would be able to proceed with policies and procedures associated with a declaration of financial exigency.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The oil price may continue to drop, and Moscow may feel manpower crunches ahead.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Each sandwich is also partially rolled into a topping, which adds a nice crunch to the overall tasting experience.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisis. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crisis

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