Definitions

crisis

[krahy-sis] / ˈkraɪ sɪs /

NOUN

critical situation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

catastrophe change confrontation crunch deadlock dilemma disaster emergency impasse mess pressure situation trouble

STRONG

climacteric climax contingency corner crossroad crux culmination embarrassment entanglement exigency extremity height imbroglio juncture necessity pass perplexity pickle pinch plight predicament puzzle quandary stew strait trauma trial urgency

WEAK

big trouble dire straits hot potato hour of decision moment of truth point of no return turning point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement benefit blessing breakthrough calm good fortune good luck happiness miracle peace solution success wonder

STRONG

advantage boon certainty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Only 13% of nonveterans facing an acute crisis will get emergency cash or rapid rehousing assistance, as compared with 65% of veterans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Cipriani had been demanding $150 million for allegedly providing “sophisticated, high-value crisis communications services, entirely without compensation” to Shell over 18 months.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The fund superseded the Household Support Fund which was set up in response to the cost of living crisis, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Homeless veterans facing more-acute circumstances, such as a recent job loss, a relationship disruption or a health crisis, are eligible for homelessness prevention and rehousing subsidies, along with referrals to VA services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Rumors circulated that Adams intended to step down from office in order to permit Jefferson, still his vice president, to succeed him, in an effort to forestall a constitutional crisis.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing crisis

"The Civil Rights Movement"

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Calamity, Catastrophe, and Crisis: Disaster Words

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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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