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 The exigencies of World War II drastically slashed unemployment but did not improve living standards, and the wartime economy offered no guarantee against the reemergence of widespread joblessness when the conflict ended. Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Loosely based on a true story, this novel explores the meaning of family, morality, resilience and honor amid wartime exigencies. The Know, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025 Unless forced by budgetary exigencies, colleges never discontinue programs in order to redirect teaching resources to more productive uses. Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 What to know: Lawmakers have pressed TSU to declare financial exigency. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exigency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exigency
Noun
  • The revelation immediately erupted into a political crisis, with the head of prisons dismissed and Guatemalans threatening to protest.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • By August, Ars reported on cases where ChatGPT's sycophantic behavior had validated users' false beliefs to the point of causing mental health crises, and news of the aforementioned suicide lawsuit hit not long after.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Sunday's emergency edition saw reduced full nudity compared to typical events, likely due to the cool, wet weather conditions, though some participants still rode wearing only bike helmets.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exigency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exigency. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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