Synonyms of emergency

emergency

noun

i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē 

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action

an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crisis
• situation
• head
• exigency
• crossroad(s)
• extremity
• crunch
• flash point
• clutch
• conjuncture
• crunch time
• breaking point
• boiling point
• juncture
• point of no return
• zero hour
• Dunkirk
• tinderbox
• moment of truth
• contingency
• possibility
• predicament
• milestone
• condition
• climax
• landmark
• turning point
• corner
• happening
• hot water
• pass
• jam
• deadlock
• impasse
• spot
• pinch
• fix
• strait
• last ditch
• stalemate
• hole
• last minute
• eleventh hour
• scrape

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

Recent Examples of emergency

Officers rendered medical aid while emergency medical services were en route. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026

The whole archaeological site is about the size of two Olympic-size pools, but the emergency dig area is smaller, about the size of a backyard pool. — Samantha Watson, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren declared a state of emergency Friday as some communities remained isolated by standing water and road damage and as rain continued to fall. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Records show Singh had called emergency services and said he’d been stabbed multiple times. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026