Thesaurus results for CRISIS

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crisis

noun

ˈkrī-səs

Definition of crisis

as in emergency

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action the governor responded swiftly and surely to the crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 crisis The Flint water crisis prompted other communities across the state and in other states to seek solutions to how drinking water was delivered to homes and businesses. — Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The crisis on the Lincoln is six months old and self-inflicted. — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 To combat the current crisis the agriculture industry very much needs new technologies that can reduce water use and labor, grow crops faster, and increase crop yield. — Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 The Nepal floods are a reminder that travelers can face unexpected crises abroad. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crisis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisis

Noun

Some soldiers distinguished themselves by helping to render emergency trauma response and first aid to civilians, earning individual service commendations, according to the Arkansas National Guard.

— Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2026
His newsrooms, including the Kathmandu Post, have deployed all their assets to cover the tragedy, and to provide Nepalis with clear, accurate information on emergency relief, river monitoring, and other immediate needs.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of emergency

Noun

The Samuels’ run, however, was the spark that lit the fuse after the Caravan was denied on a fourth-and-short situation on its opening possession.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Fed policy uncertainty, the Middle East situation, and an earnings season burdened with high expectations could all act as catalysts for fresh turbulence.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of situation

Noun

The Los Angeles Police Department released a video that shows officers at the Valley jail manhandle an uncooperative inmate who died after he was left handcuffed with a bag over his head while laying prone on the bunk in his cell.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of head

Noun

That allows doctors to evaluate a person’s balance, mobility and lower extremity strength all at once.

— Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The Eagles announced shortly after that Jackson had strength and movement in all of his extremities and was being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremity

Noun

Potential finalists will be notified via email and will be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, License of Work and Release of Liability/Publicity within three (3) days of date of notification, or a shorter time if required by exigencies, or a runner-up may be selected.

— Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
The exigencies of the Revolution lead to promising more people representation.

— KEN BURNS, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

Definition of exigency

Noun

That might seem like no time at all, but the corn emerges juicy, crispy, and tender and retains more of its sweetness and crunch.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
The guidance could have been even higher if not for supply constraints, as the company grapples with shortages in parts like memory, which faces a global crunch due to AI buildouts.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of crunch

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“Crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisis. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crisis

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