English Reference

Word

crossroads

Phoneticscross·roads, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɹɔsˌɹoʊdz/

UK/kɹˈɒsɹəʊdz/

Definitions

01road intersection

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a place where two or more roads cross each other.

n. a physical junction where two or more roads intersect. Often used as a singular noun despite the plural ending.

“Turn left at the next crossroads to find the village shop.”

“The accident occurred at a busy rural crossroads where visibility was obscured by overgrown hedges and a lack of proper signage.”

Synonyms

intersectionjunctioncrossing

02a decision point

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a time when you must make a very important decision that will change your future.

n. a metaphorical turning point or critical juncture where a choice must be made between different courses of action.

“After ten years in the same job, he felt he was at a crossroads in his career.”

“The company reached a strategic crossroads, forced to choose between aggressive international expansion or consolidating its existing domestic market share.”

Synonyms

turning pointjuncturecrisis

Real-World Examples

“The trip comes at a good time for Oriah, who finds herself at a medical crossroads after suffering a seizure on stage: she can either increase her medication dosage or have surgery.”
The Guardian 26 Aug 2026
“Or perhaps not, because experts say the Harry and Meghan brand is at a crossroads.”
BBC News 22 Aug 2026

Related words

intersectionway

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference