turning point

NOUN

critical juncture

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climax critical point crux culmination juncture twist

WEAK

axis change climacteric contingency crisis critical mass critical moment critical period 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 ex–MTV reality cast member will not be mayor, but his candidacy will mark a turning point in Los Angeles and California politics.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Apple’s latest announcement also comes at a big turning point for the company.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“This is a turning point for the South Korean market,” Kang said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Hearing Hawkins’s recording of “Body and Soul” as a fourth-grader had been a turning point for Rollins musically and eventually lead him to switch from alto to tenor saxophone.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Fischer later implied that this was his favorite game of the match, and many grandmasters, such as Larry Evans, have indicated that the game was so beautifully executed that it became the match’s turning point.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

turning point

Example Sentences

Related Words