Synonyms & Similar Words
Synonym Chooser
How does the noun crisis differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of crisis are contingency, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.
Where would contingency be a reasonable alternative to crisis?
The words contingency and crisis are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.
When would emergency be a good substitute for crisis?
The meanings of emergency and crisis largely overlap; however, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.
When is it sensible to use exigency instead of crisis?
In some situations, the words exigency and crisis are roughly equivalent. However, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.
When is juncture a more appropriate choice than crisis?
Although the words juncture and crisis have much in common, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.
Thesaurus Entries Near crisis
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“Crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisis. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on crisis
Nglish: Translation of crisis for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of crisis for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crisis
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