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

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 emergency If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2025 The family of Adriana Smith told Atlanta’s WXIA that the former nurse, who’s been on life support since suffering a malady linked to blood clots in her brain, delivered the child by emergency C-section at 4:41 a.m. Friday at Emory Memorial Hospital. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations offer news, classroom-ready education content, emergency alerts and cultural programming, Newman said. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 The moment could also be ripe for paying down high-cost credit card debt and padding your emergency savings, said McBride. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for emergency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emergency
crisis
Noun
  • Even amid crises, the system generates new leaders, factions, and power centers.
    Narges Bajoghli, Time, 19 June 2025
  • Trump is also facing growing skepticism about deepening U.S. involvement in the Mideast crisis from some of his most ardent supporters.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emergency. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on emergency

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