Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - juncture

 noun  Date: 14th century  1.  a. joint, connection  b. the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech  2. an instance of joining ; junction  3. a point of time; especially one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances Synonyms:  ~, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, straits, crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs. ~ stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events an important ~ 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. straits applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult in dire straits. crisis applies to a ~ whose outcome will make a decisive difference a crisis of confidence.