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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 rookies led the charge offensively in the second half, as Jackson and Brink finished with 15 and 16 points, respectively, with each making huge plays in crunch time.
—Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024
The Mavericks were able to win a playoff game in crunch time without either superstar scoring in the final three minutes.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2024
Johns Hopkins’ usual suspects scored some big goals in crunch time Sunday afternoon against visiting Lehigh, but the Blue Jays found a different hero to help seal their 13-10 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
—Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2024
Every game in the Nuggets-Lakers series, Denver fell behind early only to creep back and execute in crunch time.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for crunch time
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crunch time.' 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
1933, in the meaning defined above
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 Jun. 2024.
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