crossroad
Where paths meet
A crossroad is a place where two roads intersect.
The plural crossroads, though grammatically plural, often functions as singular: We came to a crossroads and turned left.
Figuratively, a crossroads is a critical point requiring decision: She's at a crossroads in her career.
The image suggests choosing among diverging paths.
Act of selecting
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- quandaryState of perplexity
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
turning point · fork · uncertainty · hesitation · indecision · deliberation · contemplation · options
Point where things meet
- convergenceProcess of approaching sameness
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
- cloverleafLooped highway junction
flyover · overpass · underpass · traffic light · signal · four-way · stop sign · merge
Roadside directional guide
- directionWay something faces
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- bearingPosture or orientation
- routePath from A to B
wayfinder · guidance · landmark · destination · map · trail · pathway · pilgrim
Point of access
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- doorwayPassage into a room
- openingGap or start
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
breakthrough · springboard · new chapter · fresh start · possibility · turning point · horizon · pathway
Implied identity comparison
- life pathDirection of one's existence
- career changeMoving to different occupation
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- destinyPredetermined course of events
fate · calling · purpose · transition · chapter · midlife · awakening · transformation
choice
Act of selecting
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- quandaryState of perplexity
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
conundrum · turning point · fork · uncertainty · hesitation · indecision · deliberation · contemplation · options · alternatives
junction
Point where things meet
- convergenceProcess of approaching sameness
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
cloverleaf · flyover · overpass · underpass · traffic light · signal · four-way · stop sign · merge · T-junction
signpost
Roadside directional guide
route · wayfinder · guidance · landmark · destination · map · trail · pathway · pilgrim · traveler
gateway
Point of access
prospect · breakthrough · springboard · new chapter · fresh start · possibility · turning point · horizon · pathway · avenue
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- life pathDirection of one's existence
- career changeMoving to different occupation
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
destiny · fate · calling · purpose · transition · chapter · midlife · awakening · transformation · pivotal moment
- road featurescurve, bend, straightaway, stretch, junction
- street scenesidewalk, crosswalk, curb, street sign, streetlight
- urban featuresstreet, skyscrapers, subway stations, high-rises, sidewalk
- branchingbranching, dendrite, dendrites, dendritic, tree root
- fatedestiny, fate, kismet, Moira, fated
- Road Travelhighway, interstate, freeway, car, turnpike
crossroaddead end
Passage without outlet
cul-de-sac · terminus · blind alley · one-way street · straightaway
crossroaddead end
Passage without outlet
straight and narrow · foregone conclusion · single track · no turning back · point of no return