Meaning & use

crunch

noun·Everyday

A situation of severe pressure or difficulty, often caused by a shortage of time, money, or resources.

See it in a sentence

The finance team worked overtime during the year-end budget crunch.

Students always feel the crunch as final exams approach each semester.

A note on using this word

Crunch also describes the sharp, crackling sound made when biting or crushing something, as in the crunch of fresh snow.

Words with a similar meaning

pinchsqueeze

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To crush something noisily between the teeth or underfoot.

He crunched loudly on a handful of potato chips during the movie.

Make it your own

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