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 Plus, Iran’s previous attempt to close the strait in the 1980s wasn’t a success, either, as the US Navy intervened then to protect shipping lanes. John Choong, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Investors worried that Iran might attempt to close the strait during the conflict with Israel. Spencer Kimball,ruxandra Iordache,christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 24 June 2025 The Iranian parliament backed a measure to close the strait, but the final decision was up to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian TV said. Susan Miller, USA Today, 24 June 2025 At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes that are 2 miles wide in each direction. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strait
Noun
  • How the heart freckle tattoo got started Smith did her first heart freckle tattoo around two years ago, for a client who wanted a line of them trailing down her neck.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • This buttery-looking Free People sweater has a mock neck and a particularly autumnal hue, and these 45-percent-off Levi’s jeans balance out its stylishly slouchy look.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • Ming-Na Wen Tapped Into Deep Emotions To Play Dr. Fong In ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ While Ming-Na Wen doesn’t throw a punch in Karate Kid: Legends, that doesn’t mean her character hasn’t been in past battles, particularly those dealing with mental anguish.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • At stake was the city of Toledo and a stretch of the Maumee River, a crucial shipping channel claimed by Ohio and the soon-to-be state of Michigan.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • The beloved children’s program, airing weekdays on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, has been a family favorite since the channel’s 2002 launch.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Brown said a bite from a lone star tick can trigger an allergic reaction, with symptoms including hives, gastrointestinal distress and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
    State House News Service, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Tiffany had shown no indication of being depressed or in emotional distress.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Here, on starry evenings, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about choosing a blockbuster from Calcot’s mammoth DVD library, strolling back to your cozy bolthole, and clinking a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon to the sound of a crackling fireplace—pure, country, bliss.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Of course, there’s a variety of insect sounds and the ordinary sounds of rainforests in this part of the world.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Six months ago, two weeks before my planned starting date, a mysterious pain in my side sent me to see Doc Morris for a checkup that led to a surprise double surgery to remove both a dodgy gallbladder and a carrot-sized tumor from my lower intestines, the first serious medical crisis of my life.
    James Dodson July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
  • However, not everyone is empathetic enough to understand that this pain is ongoing.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The brand’s signature high-definition cardigans came depicting Hawaiian islands and secluded bays, making for beautiful pieces that could double as wearable postcards.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 July 2025
  • The bay laurels, in fact, are making a major comeback after the 2021 freeze.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Joseph writhes in the agony of his own newfound girl craziness (and cleavage obsession).
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
  • Williams was never offered any other clear pathway to finding relief—even as the agony from her fibroids was getting worse.
    Kayla Greaves, SELF, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strait. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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