Thesaurus results for EMERGENCY

Q: How does the noun 'emergency' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emergency are contingency , crisis , exigency , juncture , pinch , straits , and strait . While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," 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 'contingency' a more appropriate choice than 'emergency'?

The words contingency and emergency can be used in similar contexts, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. // contingency plans

Q: When is it sensible to use 'crisis' instead of 'emergency'?

The synonyms crisis and emergency are sometimes interchangeable, but crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. // a crisis of confidence

Q: Where would 'exigency' be a reasonable alternative to 'emergency'?

In some situations, the words exigency and emergency are roughly equivalent. However, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation. // provide for exigencies

Q: When would 'juncture' be a good substitute for 'emergency'?

The meanings of juncture and emergency largely overlap; however, juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events. // an important juncture in our country's history

Q: How is 'pinch' related to other words for 'emergency'?

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 'emergency'?

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

emergency

noun

i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē

Definition of emergency next

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun emergency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emergency are contingency, crisis, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When is contingency a more appropriate choice than emergency?

The words contingency and emergency can be used in similar contexts, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

When is it sensible to use crisis instead of emergency?

The synonyms crisis and emergency are sometimes interchangeable, but crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Where would exigency be a reasonable alternative to emergency?

In some situations, the words exigency and emergency are roughly equivalent. However, 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 emergency?

The meanings of juncture and emergency largely overlap; however, 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 emergency?

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 emergency?

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 emergency Other policies reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system – such as alternative 911 response programs that use unarmed behavioral health workers to respond to some types of emergencies. —

Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025 San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has suffered a medical emergency while at a restaurant. —

Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 Gregg Popovich reportedly experienced a medical emergency Tuesday night while at a San Antonio steakhouse. —

Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025 The court said in an unsigned order that arguments on the Justice Department's request for emergency relief will take place during a special sitting on May 15. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emergency

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emergencies

emergency

emergent

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“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emergency. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: 21 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of emergency

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Synonyms of emergency

noun

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Cite this Entry

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