juncture

noun

junc·ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər

Synonyms of juncture next

: a point of time

at this juncture

especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances

: joint, connection

: the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech

: an instance of joining : junction

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Join us as we journey into the history of juncture, a word that’s neither junky nor janky, but just dandy. Juncture comes from the Latin verb jungere ("to join") and has many English relatives including not only join and junction but also conjugal ("relating to marriage") and junta ("a group of persons controlling a government"). The use of juncture in English dates back to the 14th century, when it meant "a place where two or more things are joined." By the 17th century it could also refer to an important point in a process or activity.

Choose the Right Synonym for juncture

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 juncture in a Sentence

Negotiations between the countries reached a critical juncture. At this juncture it looks like they are going to get a divorce. the juncture of two rivers

Recent Examples on the Web As recently reported in The Baltimore Sun, Maryland and Pennsylvania leaders gathered in Harrisburg on Tuesday to celebrate the latest Bay restoration progress (Chesapeake Bay receives C+, highest score in decades, at critical juncture for the cleanup effort, July 9). —

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2024 Lindsey Buckingham breaks down 10 of his best guitar riffs Over the years, Buckingham and Nicks have taken time away from Fleetwood Mac at various junctures, only to eventually return. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2024 At this juncture, the late storytelling becomes a kind of Hail Mary as the show introduces a few too many new rules. —

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2024 At least at this juncture, none of the main blocs appeared willing to work with one another, and the successful leftist grouping in particular could be prone to infighting. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for juncture

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'juncture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler

The first known use of juncture was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juncture. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.

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Kids Definition

juncture

noun

junc·ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər

: an instance of joining : union

: joint entry 1 sense 3a, connection

: an important point of time

they feel they must make a decision at this juncture

junctural

-chə-rəl

adjective

Last Updated: 11 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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juncture

noun

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Synonyms

Examples of juncture in a Sentence

Word History

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