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.

“Sudden explosive noise, concussive blasts, and bright flashes have the potential to startle young birds, creating unnecessary risk during a critical period of development.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

IPOs conducted from 2007 to 2022, my co-authors and I examined what happens in the critical period just before and after companies go public.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

He therefore transferred Gorchakov to Vienna, where the latter remained through the critical period of the Crimean War.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

critical period

Example Sentences

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