crunch time
noun
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed
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
In crunch time, stability teamed with chaos to close out the Lakers as LeBron James watched from his seat on the sideline.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
So, the defense doubled down on dominance in crunch time.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
While Tampa Bay has enjoyed some good fortune late in games (4-1 in one-score games), Mayfield just might be that guy in crunch time.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Vance Joseph relied heavily on simulated pressures against Philadelphia and then did away with any simulation in crunch time against New York.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
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Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
So, the defense doubled down on dominance in crunch time.
—Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
While Tampa Bay has enjoyed some good fortune late in games (4-1 in one-score games), Mayfield just might be that guy in crunch time.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Vance Joseph relied heavily on simulated pressures against Philadelphia and then did away with any simulation in crunch time against New York.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crunch time
Cite this Entry
“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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