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 What’s more, the school itself appears to be in dire financial straits with a $200 million operating deficit — not exactly ideal conditions to buy out one of the fattest contracts in college sports. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 The system is also expected to account for existing defenses around key regions, notably in Ankara and along the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, while addressing new security requirements such as protecting the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 America's largest health care companies are in dire financial straits, with some of the biggest names on the chopping block as the remainder battle economic headwinds. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Her famous parents, Ronn Owens and former KCBS news anchor Jan Black, also are in dire financial straits. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strait
Noun
  • With his neck tattoos and a goal celebration based on an anime character, Igor Jesus is a hard man to miss.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Love Island star also added red opera gloves and a neck scarf.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Haley Robson described the anguish caused by ever-metastasizing Epstein conspiracy theories and endless Epstein news cycles, and her hope that releasing the files could finally put the case to bed.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Above all, there’s Rob, whose romantic getaway has turned into a slog of romantic anguish.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the wake of a transfer deadline that brought anger and worry from many supporters, the Wolves chairman gave an interview of more than half an hour to the club’s in-house television channel.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eileen’s imminent arrival is made even more dramatic when a younger woman named Thea (Imogen Poots) turns up at Hedda’s door in a state of distress.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • However, without Chinese demand, this abundant supply threatens to further depress prices and worsen farmers’ financial distress.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Neon lights and a checkerboard stage added to the ‘80s vibe of the song, while a musician playing a keytar with hair-teased-to-heavens cemented the influence of the decade on Doja’s sound.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The honors spanned across categories like writing, hairstyling, editing, directing, production, and sound.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is little reason to assume that negotiations won’t continue after the court’s decision, because there are still myriad ways that the government can inflict pain on the university.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The goal of treatment is to care for the small wound, manage any pain, and avoid potential infection.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Upon completion, Southwest Golf Ranch will boast a total of 27 heated, covered driving range bays, over two acres of bent-grass range, professional swing-analysis technology, a professional shop offering club-fitting services, group camps and clinics with certified golf instructors and more.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • We were headed for Alcatraz, the bay’s most infamous rock.
    Maggie Downs, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hank, having already experienced life-changing failure, is also able to absorb beatings that would destroy most people, endure the agony, and leap back into action.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The buddy story ended in agony when it was revealed that Edwards was on the list and complicit in the ambush plot.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strait. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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