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

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 Responding emergency personnel relayed reports that witnesses had seen someone possibly grabbed by an alligator and pulled into the water, according to a recording radio traffic. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026 Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Napoli must work at least 40 hours a week and be available 24/7 for emergencies. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Another group of fourth graders in Texas came up with the idea to deploy AI to identify and locate missing students in an emergency like a fire or school lockdown. — Kiryn Hoffman, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emergency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emergency

crisis

Noun

Advertisement The protests are also occurring amid a wider crisis of political confidence in the country.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
The agency, created in 1974 in the wake of the Arab oil embargo, is tasked with maintaining energy security by deploying oil stockpiles in response to crises like the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of crisis

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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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emergency

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