eleventh hour

noun

Definition of eleventh hournext
as in crisis
the latest possible time The killer's life was spared at the eleventh hour.

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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 eleventh hour At the eleventh hour, country star Toby Keith, rock band 3 Doors Down, and perennial patriot Lee Greenwood all ultimately signed on. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026 The following year the company was forced to cut 8% of its global workforce, amounting to around 1,400 jobs, and shut down or dispose of a number of games studios, after claiming a $2 billion deal with an international entity had fallen through at the eleventh hour. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 20 May 2026 The Board also addressed an eleventh hour financial reprieve from a donor, which will be able to keep Roycemore open through the end of the academic year. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 The ultimate scene packs a punch here — without spoiling things, Abigail Onwunali is particularly powerful in a role that Wilson saves till the eleventh hour, and Boone goes to places at once frightening and devastating. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eleventh hour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eleventh hour
  1. crisis
  2. emergency
  3. extremity
  4. possibility
  5. climax
  6. situation
  7. zero hour
  8. landmark
Noun
  • But traffic is still far below the more than 700 transits seen in a typical week before the crisis, Lloyd’s List said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The seven-year conflict helped create one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of crisis
Noun
  • But in gridlock emergencies, timely, urgent reports from people baptized in the traffic beat make a large difference.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • JumpSmart also includes a compass, thermometer, reflector strip, and emergency audible alarm that is perfect for hiking, camping, and off-roading.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of emergency
Noun
  • Upon arrival, officers found the man suffering from an injury to his lower extremity.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Pain, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities can point to an orthopedic issue, but the same sensations can also signal prostate cancer that has spread.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of extremity
Noun
  • When asked about that possibility following the trade deadline, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow notably didn’t rule it out.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Running a red light in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor that carries a fine between $155 and $286, along with the possibility of higher insurance costs.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • Allie’s hopeless romanticism isn’t well-established, and there’s a whole complicated climax (no pun intended) involving the Empire State Building that could have been a lot smoother and more intuitive.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • David is ultimately revealed (spoiler alert) as a survivor of the climax’s brutal assault, which has led to unceasing fan demand for a sequel.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of climax
Noun
  • This is not a tan do situation as using this unapproved medication can have some really dark consequences.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Varland — who entered 24-for-24 in save situations this season — was almost the bare minimum necessary to leave the yard.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of situation
Noun
  • Nevertheless, this is an improvement on the zero hours that (many) men were doing 50 years ago.
    — Meg Walters, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The King video marked the zero hour for new forms of activism using cameras.
    — Will Potter July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Definition of zero hour
Noun
  • Elsewhere, senior leadership from Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark defense agreement in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, as regional strikes flare.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Real Madrid has announced the landmark club record transfer of Yan Diomande through its official website and social media accounts.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of landmark

Browse Nearby Words

elevations
eleventh hour
eleventh hours
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Cite this Entry

“Eleventh hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eleventh%20hour. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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