exigency
noun
ex·i·gen·cy
ˈek-sə-jən(t)-sē 
ig-ˈzi-jən(t)-
ig-ˈzi-jən(t)-
plural exigencies
1
: that which is required in a particular situation
—usually used in plural
exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfare—
D. B. Ottaway
D. B. Ottaway2
a
: the quality or state of being exigent
b
: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands
a leader must act in any sudden exigency
Synonyms
Examples of exigency in a Sentence
the exigencies requiring snap decisions that traders on the stock exchange face every day
Recent Examples on the Web
Then, the exigencies of the Cold War alliance, which required each side to sacrifice its own interests for the other’s, contained the seeds of its own demise, whereas the current axis of convenience allows more flexibility.
—Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024
Conor, as Crown Prince, is both hemmed in by duty and the exigencies of power, has been forced by the illness of his father to take more responsibility for his kingdom.
—EW.com, 20 June 2024
The Thule Society traced the Aryan race to a lost continent made of ice, while the Tannenberg Foundation, founded by General Erich Ludendorff, sought relief from the exigencies of modern life in the forests outside Munich by lighting bonfires and sacrificing horses in honor of Thor.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024
On Thursday, the day after the fundraising deadline, the college Board of Trustees instead declared financial exigency, which is a serious financial crisis requiring immediate attention.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exigency 
Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024
Conor, as Crown Prince, is both hemmed in by duty and the exigencies of power, has been forced by the illness of his father to take more responsibility for his kingdom.
—EW.com, 20 June 2024
The Thule Society traced the Aryan race to a lost continent made of ice, while the Tannenberg Foundation, founded by General Erich Ludendorff, sought relief from the exigencies of modern life in the forests outside Munich by lighting bonfires and sacrificing horses in honor of Thor.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024
On Thursday, the day after the fundraising deadline, the college Board of Trustees instead declared financial exigency, which is a serious financial crisis requiring immediate attention.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exigency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exigency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near exigency
Cite this Entry
“Exigency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exigency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exigency
noun
ex·i·gen·cy
ˈek-sə-jən-sē
ig-ˈzij-ən-
ig-ˈzij-ən-
plural exigencies
: a situation requiring immediate action
Legal Definition
exigency
noun
ex·i·gen·cy
ˈek-sə-jən-sē, ik-ˈsi-jən-sē
plural exigencies
1
: that which is required in a particular situation
—usually used in pl.
2
a
: the quality or state of being exigent
b
: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share