crucial moment

NOUN

critical mass

Synonyms

WEAK

climax crisis crisis point critical juncture critical point critical stage crossroads 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

NOUN

moment of truth

Synonyms

WEAK

charged moment climax crunch decisive moment defining moment fated moment fateful moment kairos kairotic moment pregnant moment turning point when push comes to shove

NOUN

turning point

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climax critical point crux culmination juncture twist

WEAK

axis change climacteric contingency crisis critical mass critical moment critical period crossing crossroads 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 allegations surface at a crucial moment in the wide-open primary race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and to lead the nation's most populous state, just weeks before voters receive postal ballots.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Circuit Court of Appeals, answered that whatever more detailed pretext arguments Pitchford later developed on appeal were waived because his defense attorney did not present them to the trial judge at the crucial moment.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

The agency’s workforce is down more than 20% and some observers had worried if operations would suffer at a crucial moment.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

The crucial moment in the third set came when Muchova spilled a forehand long on serve to give Gauff three break points in game three, with another loose shot from the Czech sealing her fate.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

I didn’t know what I’d been sent to do, so I wrung my hands and chewed my cheeks, waiting for the crucial moment.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

crucial moment

Example Sentences

Related Words