emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
Synonyms of emergency
often attributive
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief
the mayor declared a state of emergency after the flood

Synonyms of emergency

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juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis 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

exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

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

in dire straits

crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Examples of emergency in a Sentence

Her quick thinking in an emergency saved the baby's life. an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency
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.
These emergency reactions consume energy and cause wear and tear throughout the brain and body. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 The trials included formation sailing and emergency responses to simulated machinery failures. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 The government also filed an emergency motion Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, seeking an order requiring the state to cooperate and set aside the ballots of voters on the list. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Or to weather an economic emergency, or to stop modern slavery, or to combat unfair trade, or to stick it to a country that forgot to send the president a birthday gift. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emergency

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emergency was circa 1631

Phrases Containing emergency

Rhymes for emergency

See All Rhymes for emergency

Browse Nearby Words

emergence
emergency
emergency barrage
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Cite this Entry

“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
1
: an unexpected situation that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for help
a state of emergency

Medical Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as
a
: a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention
b
: a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen

Legal Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy
plural emergencies
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief
a state of emergency
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