as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
we're at the zero hour, so someone has to make a decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 zero hour
Nevertheless, this is an improvement on the zero hours that (many) men were doing 50 years ago.
—
Meg Walters, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2025
The zero hour show begins at 1 p.m. ET and the main matches begin at 3 p.m. ET.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
The King video marked the zero hour for new forms of activism using cameras.
—Will Potter
july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
She's stopped, however, when Derringer and Clarke burst in at the zero hour, giving impassioned speeches about the importance of the alliance.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
The course will feature the same curriculum as other PE courses, East Aurora High School Principal Jennifer Mitchell said at a curriculum meeting in May, but will be offered during zero hour for the first time next year.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Fighting, however, continued up to the zero hour, with Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon far into the night.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
English learners can attend a specialized class for learning to speak and write can be accomplished with a before-school (zero hour) or after-school period.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
When zero hour arrived, on a muggy Thursday afternoon, her manner was one of resigned acquiescence.
—Ned Zeman, Outside, 14 Nov. 2021
Meg Walters, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2025
The zero hour show begins at 1 p.m. ET and the main matches begin at 3 p.m. ET.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
The King video marked the zero hour for new forms of activism using cameras.
—Will Potter
july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
She's stopped, however, when Derringer and Clarke burst in at the zero hour, giving impassioned speeches about the importance of the alliance.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
The course will feature the same curriculum as other PE courses, East Aurora High School Principal Jennifer Mitchell said at a curriculum meeting in May, but will be offered during zero hour for the first time next year.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Fighting, however, continued up to the zero hour, with Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon far into the night.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
English learners can attend a specialized class for learning to speak and write can be accomplished with a before-school (zero hour) or after-school period.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
When zero hour arrived, on a muggy Thursday afternoon, her manner was one of resigned acquiescence.
—Ned Zeman, Outside, 14 Nov. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zero hour
Noun
-
In moments of crisis—when communities are grieving, divided, or searching for ways to care for one another—nonprofits stand on the front lines, holding our social fabric together through connection, healing, and support.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Kim all but disappeared from public view, until the president declared martial law late one Tuesday night in December 2023, launching the nation – and the couple – into a far bigger crisis.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is considered a top candidate for the job, according to league and team sources.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zero hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zero%20hour. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
