strait

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strait differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strait are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, and straits. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

In what contexts can contingency take the place of strait?

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

contingency plans

When might crisis be a better fit than strait?

The words crisis and strait are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is it sensible to use emergency instead of strait?

The meanings of emergency and strait largely overlap; however, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Where would exigency be a reasonable alternative to strait?

While the synonyms exigency and strait are close in meaning, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When would juncture be a good substitute for strait?

The words juncture and strait can be used in similar contexts, but 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 strait?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

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 strait In his next term, Biss will face big issues in Evanston, including charting the future of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, continuing to oversee Ryan Field and dealing with a K-8 school district, Evanston-Skokie District 65, in dire financial straits. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 Listen to this article Progressive mayoral hopeful Jessica Ramos, whose campaign is in financial dire straits amid flagging fundraising, hired a new campaign manager this week who was recently fired as a top aide to one of her opponents, the Daily News has learned. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025 And there were boastful messages about finding a way to get Europe to pay for the operation — but nothing about China, which benefits hugely from the trade passing through the straits near Yemen, including much of its oil imports and its exports to Europe. Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The area around the strait in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships and purportedly launch attacks since President Donald Trump first unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strait
Noun
  • Jeremy Suttie, one of the leaders of the group, broke bones in his face, fractured his neck and suffered a traumatic brain injury, his GoFundMe states.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2025
  • For a sheer moment, turn to the brand-new Ultra Fine Mesh Brief Bodysuit, whose scoop neck and wrap tie will elevate your beach vacation’s OOTD pictures.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • In anguish, the woman wept, asking the heavens why mother and daughter were fated to be separated.
    Karissa Chen, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Even though little about Kumar’s demeanor suggests the 1920s, there is conviction in his anguish for his country.
    Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The chat is a living organism, the centerpiece of a good streamer’s channel.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025
  • Nearly a fourth of European private TV channels are owned by U.S.-based companies, primarily Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and Comcast.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • On Tuesday, April 29, Patrick Cooper filed a lawsuit against Tisci, 50, claiming assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of New York State’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The letter noted that Connelly allowed this to carry on as West showed symptoms of neurological and behavioral distress.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Waved to the rhythm of the music to applaud the singer and even to complain about the delay, the sound of the fans (one of the top-selling accessories during Gaga’s visit to Brazil) became a defining feature of her Copacabana show.
    Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • The track, fit for a summer day by the pool, is somewhat of a musical callback to the sounds that fans have come to expect from Maroon 5.
    Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • During raging emotional turmoil in the 1990s, Beth turned to writing to make sense of loss, pain, and a desire to belong.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • An inmate put to death last month in South Carolina's second firing squad execution was conscious and likely in extreme pain for up to a minute after the bullets missed their target, attorneys allege.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Several people, including a few children and fitness coach Jack LaLanne, have successfully made the swim across the bay over the years, according to BOP.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 5 May 2025
  • The sprawling tidewater in the Baltimore Harbor area is also home to overpopulations of blue and flathead catfish, both of which have expanded their range into the bay and are eating their way through the native food chain.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • In video of the attack released by police at the time, she can be heard screaming in agony.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
  • Dropping dramatically to the floor, Busquets writhed in agony and Motta was duly sent off.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strait. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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