crossroads
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a place where two or more roads cross each other.
a physical junction where two or more roads intersect. Often used as a singular noun despite the plural ending.
Simple“Turn left at the next crossroads to find the village shop.”
In context“The accident occurred at a busy rural crossroads where visibility was obscured by overgrown hedges and a lack of proper signage.”
UsageCan be treated as either singular ('a crossroads') or plural ('many crossroads').
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a time when you must make a very important decision that will change your future.
a metaphorical turning point or critical juncture where a choice must be made between different courses of action.
Simple“After ten years in the same job, he felt he was at a crossroads in his career.”
In context“The company reached a strategic crossroads, forced to choose between aggressive international expansion or consolidating its existing domestic market share.”
UsageUsually follows the preposition 'at'.
Synonyms
“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.”
“Or perhaps not, because experts say the Harry and Meghan brand is at a crossroads.”