Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exigency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exigency are contingency, crisis, emergency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When can contingency be used instead of exigency?

In some situations, the words contingency and exigency are roughly equivalent. However, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

In what contexts can crisis take the place of exigency?

While in some cases nearly identical to exigency, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than exigency?

Although the words emergency and exigency have much in common, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Where would juncture be a reasonable alternative to exigency?

The words juncture and exigency are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 exigency?

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 exigency?

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 exigency Some point to the exigencies of great-power competition to justify a pilgrimage to Riyadh. Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2022 Like every other era since Israel’s birth in 1948, there are always immediate exigencies. Jta Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025 There are economic exigencies to putting up a show on Broadway and keeping it running. Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 2 May 2025 In the face of tragedy, Dess’s narrator memorably dramatizes the anxiety-inducing exigencies of the creative arts, and the need of artists to remain focussed on their craft. The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exigency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exigency
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Ukraine's state emergency service said five other people were injured in Smila, with a college and three other buildings damaged.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • Fort Lauderdale officials have not yet decided how to spend the money, although $4.8 million might go toward creating the city’s own emergency reserve in case the Federal Emergency Management Agency goes away.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exigency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exigency. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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