juncture

noun

junc·​ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce juncture (audio)
1
: a point of time
at this juncture
especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances
2
b
: the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech
3
: an instance of joining : junction

Did you know?

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 The cybersecurity industry is at a critical juncture. Shelley Zalis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 If the memoir isn’t meant to reveal what’s happening on the Court at a juncture when its legitimacy is being questioned, then what manner of book is this—a coming-of-age story, a D.C. career guide, a congressional thriller, or something else? Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Many Catholic parishes in southeast Wisconsin are at a critical juncture. Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 16 Oct. 2024 The nine-week trial is a critical juncture for Le Pen, expected to be a strong contender in France’s next presidential election in 2027. Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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

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Dictionary Entries Near juncture

Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juncture. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

juncture

noun
junc·​ture ˈjəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce juncture (audio)
1
: an instance of joining : union
2
3
: an important point of time
they feel they must make a decision at this juncture
junctural
-chə-rəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on juncture

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