as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
with the company facing a financial Dunkirk, it was hoped that the new CEO could turn things around—and fast
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Dunkirk
Noun
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The trek aimed to promote national healing, unity and compassion as the nation faces challenges of division, mental health crises and conflict both at home and abroad.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026 -
Each of these three leaders faces a crisis on the world stage but also with their own conscience.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The sense is the Panthers would bring Rozeboom back at the right price, while trying to limit his exposure in passing situations.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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So any dog that comes in from a criminal case, from the streets, found as a stray — no matter what the situation is, the ACC has to take that animal.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
8 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dunkirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Dunkirk. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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