1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
a severe energy crunch that resulted in long lines at the gas pumps
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
a player who's always good in a crunch, like when we need a goal to win the soccer match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crunch
Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Meanwhile, the federal government is cutting support for public services, including transit systems — many of which still haven’t fully recovered from Covid-era budget crunches.
—Sophie Hurwitz, Wired News, 7 June 2025
CBS News, 30 May 2025
Van de Ven uses his speed to cut out counter-attacks while Romero can break lines with his passes and then produce a crunching tackle on an opponent.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch
Noun
Beyond the federal headwinds, the state and city are also facing budget crunches.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Meanwhile, the federal government is cutting support for public services, including transit systems — many of which still haven’t fully recovered from Covid-era budget crunches.
—Sophie Hurwitz, Wired News, 7 June 2025
Verb
They can be heard crunching through the grass to climb up trees, plants, people or any vertical surface, with a forceful quality about it.
—CBS News, 30 May 2025
Van de Ven uses his speed to cut out counter-attacks while Romero can break lines with his passes and then produce a crunching tackle on an opponent.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crunch
Noun
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To address the critical worker shortage, Massachusetts must prioritize benefits and training and improve pay for DSPs.—
Brian Cusack,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
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There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Stablecoins have, historically, flourished where there is economic instability and global crisis may further support the cross-border reliance on the stability of the U.S. currency.—
Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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After signing it Monday evening, Newsom heralded it as a solution to the state’s affordability crisis, which reached a fever pitch last year and peaked when a series of wildfires devastated Los Angeles in January, burning thousands of homes.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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However, Wuchang's visual appeal encouraged me to explore the surroundings rather than grit my teeth and push through the challenge.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
11 June 2025
-
Lo-fi producers like Sleepy Fish and Aso balance that grit with warm, jazzy instrumentals perfect for relaxed studying or lowkey get-togethers.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Overnight low temperatures are rising nearly twice as fast as afternoon highs, and this lack of relief during the night poses a significant health risk -- particularly for those without access to air conditioning, according to the assessment.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
30 June 2025
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Reports have also indicated that Watt is upset with the organization over a lack of a deal, which could lead to a split.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Noun
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There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head.—
Mike Hutton,
Post-Tribune,
19 July 2017
-
Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.—
John Roach,
NOLA.com,
19 July 2017
Verb
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Beat eggs, sugar, espresso granules, and vanilla with a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on high speed until thick and fluffy, 8 to 10 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
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Meanwhile, emerging managers are scraping to survive and define their edge.—
Alex Lazarow,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, like scouring pads or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
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This can include scratching granular fertilizer into the soil around the base of your plants, watering with compost tea or fish emulsion, or top dressing with a fresh layer of compost—just be sure to pay attention to the specific needs of the different plants in your garden.—
Mike Irvine,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crunch. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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