as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crunch time
No matter the situation or opponent, Mendoza has responded, especially in crunch time, and given Indiana whatever was needed to win.
—
Antonio Morales, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
However, the 6-foot-4 senior guard, who picked up two early fouls and did not score in 10 minutes the initial half, also committed a pivotal mistake during crunch time that helped the Knights hold off the Jayhawks 81-75.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2026
During that same year, Green was caught arguing with then-teammate Kevin Durant after not passing Durant the ball during crunch time of a game against the Clippers.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
The week before Christmas is crunch time for holiday shopping.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
Antonio Morales, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
However, the 6-foot-4 senior guard, who picked up two early fouls and did not score in 10 minutes the initial half, also committed a pivotal mistake during crunch time that helped the Knights hold off the Jayhawks 81-75.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2026
During that same year, Green was caught arguing with then-teammate Kevin Durant after not passing Durant the ball during crunch time of a game against the Clippers.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
The week before Christmas is crunch time for holiday shopping.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crunch time
Noun
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In moments of crisis—when communities are grieving, divided, or searching for ways to care for one another—nonprofits stand on the front lines, holding our social fabric together through connection, healing, and support.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Kim all but disappeared from public view, until the president declared martial law late one Tuesday night in December 2023, launching the nation – and the couple – into a far bigger crisis.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is considered a top candidate for the job, according to league and team sources.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The breaking point came two months earlier, when her sister-in-law called in a panic with a childcare request.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
29 Dec. 2025
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Moms are being pushed to their breaking point, a new USA TODAY/Peacock survey shows.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The intense temperature and pressure of the impact heated the moon's crust and mantle so much that many of the volatile elements present (volatiles are elements with low boiling points), including potassium, evaporated and escaped into space.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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But this past year saw a particularly notable surge in anti-AI sentiment, which now seems to have finally reached a boiling point in the Comic Con community.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But, of course, schools were a frequent flash point during Emanuel’s mayoral tenure.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
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Taxes can often represent a flash point between a government and its people.—
Kent Jones,
The Conversation,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crunch%20time. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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