Definition of juncturenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun juncture differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of juncture are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

In what contexts can contingency take the place of juncture?

While the synonyms contingency and juncture are close in meaning, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to juncture?

Although the words crisis and juncture have much in common, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When might emergency be a better fit than juncture?

The words emergency and juncture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for juncture?

While in some cases nearly identical to juncture, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for juncture?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of juncture?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

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 juncture The Bucks nearly dealt Antetokounmpo to the Heat at February’s NBA trade deadline, with a similar package as the current bid offered by the Heat at that juncture. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Putting the 30-year-old South Korean in the lineup at this juncture is a massive detriment to the team’s offense. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 In his new book, Ethnic Studies at the Crossroads, Black studies scholar George Lipsitz contextualizes the state of ethnic studies as existing at a similar juncture of collision and divergence. Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 Ganesh declines to speculate where Mohan could be, in all aspects, at that juncture. Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • The first-year pro soccer club dropped a 2-1 home game to One Knoxville, watching the Tennessee side and reigning league champ rally to steal all three points in front of 7,223 fans at Expo Idaho.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • Plowden had three consecutive 20-point games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic in late March.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The Manayunk/Norristown, Fox Chase and Chestnut Hill East Lines were suspended while SEPTA worked to clear the junction.
    Joe Brandt, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Drive west, and the junction for Estadio Akron is less than 30 minutes away.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Andrea Davis, president and CEO of The Resiliency Initiative, has spent 25 years planning emergency response and crisis management for organizations including Disney, Walmart, the FIFA World Cup and Times Square's New Year's Eve celebration.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Psychological trauma is also emerging as a major secondary crisis.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Key moment The Dream controlled the game early.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 23 June 2026
  • Because she had already been assessed a technical foul moments earlier, the shove counted as her second of the night, earning an automatic ejection.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The pilot program will install cameras in 10 high-traffic intersections for one year and issue $75 citations to red light runners.
    Nick Sullivan July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • Authorities later determined that Robert, driving a car traveling north on Callis Road approaching its intersection with State Route 32, failed to yield to a stop sign.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Use the ax head of a garden mattock to cut through the roots at the base of the stump.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • The debate usually comes to a head in the summer, when high inland temperatures send bigger crowds to the beach, sometimes straining the mood of residents who live there.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • There was at least one person who thought to protest over the situation.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Vozinha continued his impressive World Cup on Friday with eight saves, including a fantastic stop of a clean shot from Messi in a one-on-one situation.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially helpful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
  • Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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