Definitions

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.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

"And therefore, because there's no critical mass, they are really not part of the core of this small start-up village. And therefore, in my opinion we need to create critical mass."

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2025

With such fragmentation, it’s much harder for a negative storyline to reach critical mass.

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

As more join in, they seem to reach a critical mass, a quorum, and the thinking begins.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

critical mass

Example Sentences

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