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 Despite these challenges, Wong still represented a critical juncture for immigrants, in particular for those of Asian American descent. Claire Ke, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 Although much of the focus typically centers around those drafted in June, the development of second-year players is extremely important at this juncture of the offseason. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 The New Evidence arrives at a crucial juncture, nearly three months after the LAIP’s petition for a retrial was denied. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 Sure, Lucky’s escape is nearly foiled by the fleet-of-foot federal agent, but the same could be said for dozens of similar encounters throughout the premiere, at more perilous junctures than a brief jog between immobile trailers. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Powers-Johnson, who’d taken all the starting reps to this point, assumed his position for the first team period.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There was plenty of evidence on this point, the most important being that the Kittrells were being chased by creditors at the time of their transfers and the transfers left them insolvent and unable to satisfy their debts.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Precautionary measure The rains caused a short circuit in a junction box, leading a lift station to malfunction, officials said.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The mesh has to stretch to fit, subtly changing the positions of every junction.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But traffic is still far below the more than 700 transits seen in a typical week before the crisis, Lloyd’s List said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The seven-year conflict helped create one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The finale underlines that break in its final scenes, cross-cutting between the former friends as Alicent makes her first and only appearance in the episode at the exact moment the full tragedy of Rhaenyra’s upper hand becomes apparent.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps, that moment will finally come this October in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • DeKalb County Sheriff's officials said, shortly after noon, a 2025 Mazda CX-5, a Mack semi-tractor trailer hauling gravel, and a 2013 Nissan Altima collided at the intersection of Illinois Route 23 and Melms Road.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • State law allows crossings outside marked crosswalks or intersections if they can be completed safely and don’t create a traffic hazard.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That preference for continuity has carried on into this pre-season, a period when managers and head coaches often make plenty of changes.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Patrick Fussell, global head of adversary simulation at IBM, compared AI to a genie.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This is not a tan do situation as using this unapproved medication can have some really dark consequences.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Varland — who entered 24-for-24 in save situations this season — was almost the bare minimum necessary to leave the yard.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Upon arrival, officers found the man suffering from an injury to his lower extremity.
    Michele Gile, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Pain, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities can point to an orthopedic issue, but the same sensations can also signal prostate cancer that has spread.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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