STRAITS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'straits' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of straits are contingency , crisis , emergency , exigency , juncture , pinch , and strait . While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," strait , now commonly straits , applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult. // in dire straits

Q: When is 'contingency' a more appropriate choice than 'straits'?

The synonyms contingency and straits are sometimes interchangeable, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence. // contingency plans

Q: In what contexts can 'crisis' take the place of 'straits'?

The meanings of crisis and straits largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference. // a crisis of confidence

Q: When is it sensible to use 'emergency' instead of 'straits'?

In some situations, the words emergency and straits are roughly equivalent. However, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster. // the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

Q: When might 'exigency' be a better fit than 'straits'?

While in some cases nearly identical to straits , exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation. // provide for exigencies

Q: When can 'juncture' be used instead of 'straits'?

Although the words juncture and straits have much in common, 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 'straits'?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency . // come through in a pinch

straits

noun

Definition of straits next

plural of strait

as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind in great straits over the loss of her mother's cherished necklace

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How does the noun straits differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of straits are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

When is contingency a more appropriate choice than straits?

The synonyms contingency and straits are sometimes interchangeable, but contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

In what contexts can crisis take the place of straits?

The meanings of crisis and straits largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is it sensible to use emergency instead of straits?

In some situations, the words emergency and straits are roughly equivalent. However, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When might exigency be a better fit than straits?

While in some cases nearly identical to straits, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When can juncture be used instead of straits?

Although the words juncture and straits have much in common, 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 straits?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

Examples 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 straits Instead, local governments, many already in difficult financial straits, have spent to keep what are rapidly becoming zombi firms afloat. —

Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straits

Noun

While climate denial allows people to protect themselves from feelings of distress, terror management theory suggests that denying death is just the tip of the iceberg.

Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Twigs’s success over the years has been used as a tactic by LaBeouf’s legal team to undermine her accusation of emotional distress.

Arimeta Diop, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024