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 Russia has conducted long-range strikes on Ukraine since its Feb. 2022 invasion, focusing on particular targets at different junctures. Fox News, 14 Mar. 2024 Third grade is often thought of as a crucial juncture for learners, when students should transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 12 Mar. 2024 The first chapter offers a fairly standard introduction to the legendary folk singer’s early life and career, while the second presents a complex portrait of its subject at one of the most pivotal junctures of his artistic journey. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 Given the critical juncture of the season, Curry and the Warriors can’t necessarily afford to take their time, and so a speedy recovery is already underway. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024 Then in 1984, at a particularly bad juncture of the Cold War, the USSR and its allies decided to boycott the Los Angeles Olympics to prevent their athletes from being targeted for political condemnation over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Mar. 2024 Critical junctures in a lineage act like one-way doors, opening up some possibilities while closing off other options for good. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 This latest move into administration signals not just a critical juncture for The Body Shop but also a reflective moment for the industry at large. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 This convergence is not a fleeting trend but a pivotal juncture that will shape the technological landscape for years. Max (chong) Li, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

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 29 Mar. 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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