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.

a crisis of confidence

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.

contingency plans

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.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

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.

provide for exigencies

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.

an important juncture in our country's history

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

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 crisis?

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

in dire straits

Examples 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 crisis At some point, perhaps, a crisis might occur where none of us will have that luxury. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 The first crisis is barely over and the young couple wants to enjoy their fresh marital bliss when dark clouds gather over Schönbrunn Palace: Franz (Philip Froissant) unexpectedly faces a powerful adversary in Europe. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 With the social internet in crisis, text messages—and especially group chats—have filled a crucial void. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2024 Most recently, the Knesset’s ban on the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank and Gaza not only ensures a deepening humanitarian crisis but also aims to delegitimize Palestinians’ refugee status and claims to their original homes and lands. John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crisis 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisis
Noun
  • Dependence on China for critical components and equipment makes India vulnerable to price gouging, especially during emergencies.
    Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
  • During weather emergencies, the homes have structural limitations.
    Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • What is the proper procedure in a situation like this?
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Vele has quickly developed that trust from Nix and turned himself into a regular target in critical situations.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head.
    Mike Hutton, Post-Tribune, 19 July 2017
  • Delimitros said one of the truck’s side view mirrors struck her in the head, causing minor injuries.
    David Hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, 19 July 2017
Noun
  • By squeezing the muscles and blood vessels in your legs, compression garments increase what’s called venous return, the flow of blood from your extremities back to your heart, Gregory Rubin, DO, primary sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery based in Naples, Florida, tells SELF.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The decision should come as no surprise, as Rizzo spent the entire season battling injuries, whether fractured fingers or a lower extremity injury.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The point there is that O’Brien is no stranger to the exigencies of pressure as felt at the Breeders’.
    Guy Martin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Economic exigencies are often more urgent than a deference to the past, but Little Tokyo is trying to have it both ways.
    Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • The juxtaposition of that crunch melding with the soft and creamy casserole is pure texture heaven.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
  • To avoid a cash crunch and potentially jeopardize the ability to pay people, a marketing agency can set up a separate payroll account to which a percentage of sales can be devoted.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crisis

Cite this Entry

“Crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on crisis

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