critical period

NOUN

turning point

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climax critical point crux culmination juncture twist

WEAK

axis change climacteric contingency crisis critical mass critical moment crossing crossroads crucial moment crucial occurrence crucial period crunch cusp decisive moment defining moment development emergency exigency high noon hinge kairotic moment moment of truth nexus pass peak peripeteia pinch pivot pivotal moment point of no return race against time rising action shift strait transition turn of the tide when push comes to shove 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.

Rivian faces “a critical period of execution,” Barclays analyst Dan Levy wrote in a recent report.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Changes in the ability to see clearly and correctly were limited in older children, while the youngest children had more improvement as the treatment was delivered during a critical period of visual development.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

They were able to reconstruct aspects of the victims' origins and the events that led to their deaths, offering a clearer and more detailed picture of Neanderthal behavior during a critical period in human history.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Some scientists said that infancy can be a critical period to shape the microbiome, and potentially prevent disease and improve health later on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

These men, and such men—these and no others—did the debating and the fighting for the great Tory party of England at a most critical period of that party's existence.

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by McCarthy, Justin

critical period

Example Sentences

Related Words