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 To that juncture, the starting five were a combined 1 of 10 for a grand total of three points. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026 Currently operated by Labelhood, the local multibrand retailer, Samuel Gui Yang joins a growing number of local brands reaching a critical juncture in their growth. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 So for all Ryan Conwell achieved in July and then even in Saturday night’s breakout performance against the Timberwolves, such productivity at these early junctures of the calendar are not all that unusual from second-round picks. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Any clinical ethicist would advise at this juncture that Pike may fully regain decision-making capacity and is already showing signs of understanding and appreciation. — M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Disenchantment with the current political and economic system has also reached a point where socialism has grown more popular among Americans.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Talarico led Paxton by 2 points in recent polls for the November election, according to a RealClearPolitics average.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Along the way, the riders crossed mountain passes, passed through towns and villages, and dealt with the usual assortment of traffic and junctions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gins, Oudard said, sit at the crucial junction where agricultural output becomes textile industry input.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The ever-rising risk premium demanded by investors for holding those bonds shows that traders are still unconvinced that the French government has a plan to resolve its budget crisis.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But concrete reef structures powered by artificial intelligence could help to combat the environmental crisis.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Data centers will not follow aviation’s path exactly, but the shape of this moment is familiar.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Royals played 12 World Series games and had a number of memorable Fall Classic moments from Eric Hosmer’s mad dash to Yordano Ventura’s dominant start in an elimination game to Alex Gordon’s game-tying home run.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The project was first heard by the Planning Commission in September, when commissioners voted to continue the discussion due to concerns about traffic at the nearby intersection of Waterman Road and Rancho Drive.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In June, Lowes Foods opened its seventh area store at the intersection of Kannapolis Parkway and Rogers Lake Road in Kannapolis.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When he was fatally shot, Kridner and Abernathy said Garza had raised the golf club above his head and swung it toward Kridner.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Betsy Smith, the head of the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit which operates the park, cheered the passage of the bill.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • After Fay described her situation to the agent, Muse returned a two-page fact sheet comparing the cost and coverage of several Medicare Part D plans.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Such businesses can help transform raw observations into practical insights, from comparing conditions over time to assessing how a situation might evolve.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For Applegate, her previous diagnosis of MS had offered an explanation for her ongoing struggle with symptoms including tingling and numbness in her extremities, lack of coordination, balance issues and difficulty walking.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Falcons announced Sunday that Daniels was alert and had movement in all his extremities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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