crunch time
noun
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed
Synonyms
Examples of crunch time in a Sentence
The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform.
with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
Recent Examples on the Web
The Wolves — and especially Edwards — have been terrible in crunch time, as The Athletic detailed.
—
Nick Halter, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025
Don't be surprised if Baker Mayfield continues to target the uber-dependable veteran Mike Evans (six catches, 84 yards) in crunch time.
—NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025
Instead, the defense did what it's done since Super Bowl XLV — melted down at crunch time.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
The Celtics wilted offensively in the second half and in crunch time as bricks piled up.
—Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crunch time 
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Nick Halter, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025
Don't be surprised if Baker Mayfield continues to target the uber-dependable veteran Mike Evans (six catches, 84 yards) in crunch time.
—NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025
Instead, the defense did what it's done since Super Bowl XLV — melted down at crunch time.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
The Celtics wilted offensively in the second half and in crunch time as bricks piled up.
—Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crunch time
Dictionary Entries Near crunch time
Cite this Entry
“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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