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.

In the 2010s, conversations about women, chronic illness, and the pain gap reached critical mass.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

“For the first time in years, there is a critical mass of citizens who are done pretending that what they see before their eyes isn’t really there,” Daum wrote on her Substack.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The situation came to a critical mass in 2024 when Musk sued OpenAI for diverging from its nonprofit mission.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

"It'll hit a critical mass at some point, and maybe become as commonplace as smartwatches or glasses," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

“But they’ll never achieve the same critical mass of awfulness ever again. Even at MTSU.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

critical mass

Example Sentences

Related Words