critical mass

[krit-i-kuhl mas] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈmæs /

NOUN

crucial point

Synonyms

WEAK

climax crisis crisis point critical juncture critical point critical stage crossroads crucial moment crunch time decisive moment defining moment do or die time emergency high noon irreversible momentum moment of truth pivotal point point of no return sink or swim time the Rubicon turning point zero hour

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Participants at the Santa Marta meeting believe the real purpose of the meeting is to show those who are hesitating about the transition that there is a critical mass moving in favour of renewables.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

What happens next depends on whether this thing achieves a critical mass of meme status.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Media fragmentation and the constant flow of information are presented as making it harder for scandals to reach critical mass, as new controversies quickly displace previous ones.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

And male monopolies on power tend to be self-perpetuating: Only when a critical mass of women run and win does it begin to feel possible that women can run for office and win.

From Slate • Nov. 22, 2025

The critical mass of plutonium would not stay together long enough to create a massive atomic explosion.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

critical mass

Example Sentences

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