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 The Bucks nearly dealt Antetokounmpo to the Heat at February’s NBA trade deadline, with a similar package as the current bid offered by the Heat at that juncture. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Putting the 30-year-old South Korean in the lineup at this juncture is a massive detriment to the team’s offense. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 In his new book, Ethnic Studies at the Crossroads, Black studies scholar George Lipsitz contextualizes the state of ethnic studies as existing at a similar juncture of collision and divergence. Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 Ganesh declines to speculate where Mohan could be, in all aspects, at that juncture. Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • Ike got his fourth consecutive start at the five and responded with nine points and nine rebounds.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The work still got done, but a person stood at every junction—checking, clicking and reconciling.
    Rahul Bhatia, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • The Manayunk/Norristown, Fox Chase and Chestnut Hill East Lines were suspended while SEPTA worked to clear the junction.
    Joe Brandt, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Bass said that the Lineage crisis is an environmental justice issue and highlights the health risks communities of color are disproportionately exposed to.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Singleton’s leadership was tested during the 2008 financial crisis and Great Recession, and again during the COVID pandemic.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • With three Japanese players around him, the decision to immediately engage during such a transitional moment was incorrect.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The buildings are located at the intersection of North Lawn and Scarritt avenues.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
  • Michelle O'Connor is Founder of The Digital Future, Co-Founder of Converge Labs, and a builder at the intersection of Crypto, AI, Bio.
    Michelle O'Connor, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • However, the broader research on head impacts does indicate that individuals and sports organizations should be thinking about protecting brain health.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • Walk me through what was going through your head during your elimination.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Lamine Yamal also complained about the readaptation exercises he was given after suffering a groin injury, but the situation blew up when Raphinha suffered multiple setbacks from a hamstring injury in October.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Wars and greenhouse gases The greenhouse gas emissions generated by the war add yet another dimension to an already grave situation.
    Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially helpful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
  • Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on juncture

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster