strait

noun

Definition of straitnext
1
as in neck
a narrow body of water between two land masses as the ship headed east through the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain was on our left and Africa on our right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anguish
often straits plural a state of great suffering of body or mind in great straits over the loss of her mother's cherished necklace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Plus, Iran’s previous attempt to close the strait in the 1980s wasn’t a success, either, as the US Navy intervened then to protect shipping lanes. —John Choong, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Investors worried that Iran might attempt to close the strait during the conflict with Israel. —Spencer Kimball,ruxandra Iordache,christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 24 June 2025 The Iranian parliament backed a measure to close the strait, but the final decision was up to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian TV said. —Susan Miller, USA Today, 24 June 2025 At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes that are 2 miles wide in each direction. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strait
  1. neck
  2. anguish
  3. channel
  4. distress
  5. sound
  6. pain
  7. bay
  8. agony
Noun
  • For side sleepers who generally benefit from a firmer pillow for head and neck support, this memory foam-like fill from the Westin could be your best bet.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that spread throughout the upper body, often affecting the face, chest, and neck.
    — Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of neck
Noun
  • But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • Ming-Na Wen Tapped Into Deep Emotions To Play Dr. Fong In ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ While Ming-Na Wen doesn’t throw a punch in Karate Kid: Legends, that doesn’t mean her character hasn’t been in past battles, particularly those dealing with mental anguish.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Definition of anguish
Noun
  • In recent years, however, the channel has integrated more and more closely with commissioning for Paramount+ UK.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 July 2025
  • Sets will be broadcast across two channels, and things kick off today at 5:05 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 31 July 2025
Definition of channel
Noun
  • Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
    — Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 July 2025
  • During pregnancy, their mothers endured heat, as well as dehydration and emotional distress.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Definition of distress
Noun
  • People are also reading: Boy, 12, falls to his death from balcony on Royal Caribbean cruise ship returning to Texas Cruise ship is 'disappointed' about 'spreading rumors' The cruise ship passengers reportedly woke to the sound of sirens around 3 or 4 a.m. on July 23.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • Meditation exercises can set the stage for a good night’s sleep, and an inexpensive noise machine can help with relaxing sounds.
    — Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025
Definition of sound
Noun
  • Common side effects of Botox include pain and bruising, skin irritation, bleeding, headache and flu symptoms.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Symptoms of the disease include rashes, body pain and stiffness, muscle weakness and immune-system issues.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 July 2025
Definition of pain
Noun
  • Shorebird is designed as an indoor-outdoor restaurant with slightly more seating on the patio where there are unobstructed bay views.
    — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Through its Youth Sailing Foundation, MYC teaches classes and holds summer camp and after-school programs, with an emphasis on introducing inner-city kids to the bay.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
Definition of bay
Noun
  • With his wife in agony, Jason Nixdorf had a chance encounter with Zach Veigulis, a former chief data scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs who was co-founding a company to help patients battle insurance company denials.
    — Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 18 July 2025
  • Thank God that my family members could get vaccinated and have been free of the pain and agony of these illnesses.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Definition of agony

Browse Nearby Words

strains
strait
straiten
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Cite this Entry

“Strait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strait. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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