Definition of juncturenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun juncture differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of juncture are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

In what contexts can contingency take the place of juncture?

While the synonyms contingency and juncture are close in meaning, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to juncture?

Although the words crisis and juncture have much in common, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When might emergency be a better fit than juncture?

The words emergency and juncture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for juncture?

While in some cases nearly identical to juncture, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for juncture?

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 juncture?

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 juncture For The Times) Dollars and sensitivities The financial implications of the strike are difficult to calculate at this juncture, but the district doesn’t necessarily lose money. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 To further complicate things, the economy is at a critical juncture, characterized by slowing job gains and inflation concerns, and the war with Iran has pushed up energy costs that threaten to bleed beyond the gas pump. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026 But he is thought of more as a developmental prospect than a possible future option at this juncture, with Geno Smith already named the starting quarterback. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 At this juncture, however, Hornyak is on a lofty path in volleyball, crediting his brother as well as his parents, Steve and Jennifer. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Brunson scored a game-high 30 points, leading a game all five starters scored in double figures.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 May 2026
  • Palou has won three straight series titles and holds a 27-point lead in this year’s standings thanks to three win in the season’s first six races.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Commuters crossing a junction near the Bank of England (BOE), left, in the City of London, UK, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Follow the narrow Cedar Gulch Trail, then veer left at the junction to ascend the circuit clockwise, admiring Golden scenery and the distant Denver skyline.
    Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • There was an honesty crisis that happened about twenty years ago, though, when the internet came along.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • The 2008 financial crisis was brutal and, most observers believe, largely preventable.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • For Carl Douglas, one of those defense attorneys, that moment stands among his clearest memories of the trial.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • While votes on the MVP and other postseason awards are submitted before the start of the playoffs, the league traditionally waits for an opportune moment to announce the winners on the pregame shows of its media partners.
    Mike Prada, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Baltimore Police Department Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Jones said the shooting took place at the intersection of Wilkens and South Caton avenues.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Multiple intersections will be expanded and enhanced, chief among them being the one at Naperville Road and Diehl Road, which is to be widened and resurfaced, Travia said.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • All of the suspects were dressed head-to-toe in black, with some wearing hoods and masks.
    Louis Casiano , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • Collins’s main competitors are Derek Dooley, the former head coach of the football programs at Louisiana Tech and the University of Tennessee, and Buddy Carter, another Georgia congressman.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, popular Southern California theme parks which are in areas adjacent to the evacuation sites, are open early Saturday but officials are monitoring the situation.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 24 May 2026
  • This is going to be a very intense situation.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Placing our extremities in alternative positions to optimize the range of the skin, rather than just the joint, is one example of the specialized care to our survivors receive that directly impacts their functional recovery.
    Dr. Jaclyn M. Piselli, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
  • Brown allegedly shot the two victims and multiple cars using an assault style weapon before police said a Mass State Trooper and an ex-Marine shot Brown in the extremities.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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