strait

adjective

\ ˈstrāt

Definition of strait

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 archaic : strict, rigorous

2 archaic

a : narrow

b : limited in space or time

c : closely fitting : constricted, tight

3a : causing distress : difficult

b : limited as to means or resources

strait

adverb

Definition of strait (Entry 2 of 3)

obsolete

: in a close or tight manner

strait

noun

Definition of strait (Entry 3 of 3)

1a archaic : a narrow space or passage

b : a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water —often used in plural but singular in construction

c : isthmus

2 : a situation of perplexity or distress —often used in plural in dire straits

Other Words from strait Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym strait or straight? Example Sentences Learn More about strait

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Synonyms for strait

Synonyms: Noun

channel, narrows, neck, sound

Choose the Right Synonym for strait

Noun

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

strait or straight?

Straight and strait are homophones (“one of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling”), and many people are in the habit of confusing such creatures, particularly when used in fixed phrases. If you express no emotion you have a straight face; an upright person is a straight shooter; a straight flush is “a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit in sequence.” However, if you find yourself in a difficult situation you are in dire straits. Straitjacket and straitlaced are the more commonly used forms for the restrictive garment and the “strict in manners” adjective, although straightjacket and straightlaced are also occasionally found.

Examples of strait in a Sentence

Noun

Her campaign is in desperate straits. The company is in desperate financial straits.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

India will have to gird for the coming border war with an expansionist China, and Taiwan will prepare for the inevitable cross-strait invasion. — Jerry Hendrix, National Review, "Why the United States Needs a 355-Ship Navy Now," 18 Oct. 2017 While other performers revel in the inherent humor of their roles, Laura Carns is entrusted with the more strait-laced persona of Alice Sycamore. — Bob Kostanczuk, Post-Tribune, "Opera House brings new life to 'You Can't Take it With You'," 6 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strait.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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strait

Definition of strait

Other Words from strait

Synonyms for strait

Choose the Right Synonym for strait

strait or straight?

Examples of strait in a Sentence

First Known Use of strait

History and Etymology for strait

strait

Definition of strait

Other Words from strait

Synonyms for strait

Choose the Right Synonym for strait

strait or straight?

Examples of strait in a Sentence

First Known Use of strait

History and Etymology for strait

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