crossroads
Where paths converge
A crossroads is a place where two or more roads meet and cross each other.
The word usually appears singular: We stopped at a crossroads to check the map.
Figuratively, a crossroads is a decisive point—a moment requiring choice between different paths forward: The company is at a crossroads.
The plural crossroads refers to multiple such intersections.
Point where things meet
- intersectionPoint where paths meet
- four-wayHaving four directions
- trafficMovement along routes
- signpostRoadside directional guide
stoplight · corner · streets · highway · roundabout · turning · merge · diverge
Act of selecting
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- decisionSettled course of action
- optionsAvailable courses of action
- alternativesOther available options
deliberation · judgment · selection · determination · consequence · evaluation · commitment · discernment
Navigation reference location
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- passageSegment of text
- transitionChange from one state
- junctureCritical point of decision
pivot point · chapter · stage · expedition · pilgrimage · quest · odyssey · trek
Designated gathering location
- confluenceMeeting point of streams
- nexusConnecting central point
- hubCentral connection point
- gathering placeLocation for assembly
focal point · center · interchange · connection · node · axis · common ground
Point of access
- springboardFlexible platform for jumping
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- doorwayPassage into a room
- openingGap or start
possibility · breakthrough · launchpad · prospect · potential · new beginning · fresh start · pivot
State of perplexity
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- impasseSituation without resolution
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
conflict · hesitation · indecision · ambivalence · deadlock · standoff · conundrum · caught between
junction
Point where things meet
- intersectionPoint where paths meet
- four-wayHaving four directions
- trafficMovement along routes
signpost · stoplight · corner · streets · highway · roundabout · turning · merge · diverge · boulevard
choice
Act of selecting
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- decisionSettled course of action
- optionsAvailable courses of action
alternatives · deliberation · judgment · selection · determination · consequence · evaluation · commitment · discernment · consideration
waypoint
Navigation reference location
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- passageSegment of text
- transitionChange from one state
juncture · pivot point · chapter · stage · expedition · pilgrimage · quest · odyssey · trek · navigation
meeting point
Designated gathering location
- confluenceMeeting point of streams
- nexusConnecting central point
- hubCentral connection point
gathering place · focal point · center · interchange · connection · node · axis · common ground
gateway
Point of access
- springboardFlexible platform for jumping
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- doorwayPassage into a room
opening · possibility · breakthrough · launchpad · prospect · potential · new beginning · fresh start · pivot · chance
quandary
State of perplexity
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- impasseSituation without resolution
stalemate · conflict · hesitation · indecision · ambivalence · deadlock · standoff · conundrum · caught between · crisis point
- junctionsjunction, intersection, node, nexus, confluence
- travel idiomshit the road, in the same boat, miss the boat, end of the road, smooth sailing
- crossingsbridge, intersection, junction, mountain pass, overpass
- crossroadsfork in the road, fork in road, junction, juncture, intersection
- connection pointsintersections, junctures, nodes, hubs, connectors
- convergenceconfluence, meeting, junction, intersection, joining
crossroadsdead end
Passage without outlet
cul-de-sac · blind alley · impasse · one-way street · terminus
crossroadsforegone conclusion
Result assumed beforehand
inevitability · dead end · stagnation · rut · fait accompli
crossroadsbackwater
Stagnant side channel
middle of nowhere · outpost · hinterland · periphery · boondocks
- cultural crossroadsWhere diverse societies meet
- historic crossroadsPivotal point of convergence
- crossroads townSettlement at route junction
- historical crossroadsPivotal point in time