zero hours

noun

plural of zero hour
as in crises
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action we're at the zero hour, so someone has to make a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of zero hours Nevertheless, this is an improvement on the zero hours that (many) men were doing 50 years ago. — Meg Walters, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zero hours
  1. crises
  2. crossroads
  3. heads
Noun
  • Africa's most populous country will hold the election against a backdrop of worsening economic and security crises that have caused anger among voters against Tinubu's government.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The sharp increase in the need for mental health services, along with the wave of police reforms, spurred departments nationwide to find better ways to respond to personal crises.
    — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of crises
Noun
  • With light rail plans possibly in the works, Atlanta is at a crossroads.
    — Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In the way that Malta has long lived at the crossroads of Europe, so too does the characterful 17-room property.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of crossroads
Noun
  • Their heads are broad and coppery in color, and their eyes have vertical, catlike pupils.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Given that characterization, Giacometti-heads will likely fork over serious dough for this work, especially given its provenance.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of heads

Browse Nearby Words

zero hour
zero hours
zeroing (in on)
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Cite this Entry

“Zero hours.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zero%20hours. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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