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.

The first few years of life are a critical period for both brain development and the maturation of the immune system.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Over the next two years—a critical period in the AI transition—Wall Street analysts expect Nvidia’s EPS to hit $12.37, giving the stock a P/E of 17 times.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

“The real critical period is going to be the next 90 days,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

"We've got a critical period of time where the crocodylomorph group were rapidly evolving, but we have no fossils. These are some of those critical fossils," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

A nice preparation for the critical period of teething!

From A Manual of Toy Dogs How to breed, rear, and feed them by Williams, Mrs. Leslie

critical period

Example Sentences

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