crunch time

noun

Synonyms of crunch timenext
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed

Synonyms of crunch time

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Examples of crunch time in a Sentence

The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform. with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In crunch times, our duties overlap. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026 In their four postseasons with Brunson, the Knicks are 18-10 in games that have gone to crunch time. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 June 2026 The owners could be banking that if their cap proposal looks better and better over time, players might think twice about choosing to miss games when crunch time arrives. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 25 June 2026 With the games now having the kind of stakes that Thursday’s contest lacked, that leaky defense – especially in crunch time toward the end of matches – is the possible Achilles heel for this team. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crunch time

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crunch time was in 1933

Rhymes for crunch time

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Browse Nearby Words

crunch (the) numbers
crunch time
crunchweed
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Cite this Entry

“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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