Definitions

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

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critical period

Without further studies, it isn’t certain that young children can safely use the medications for weight loss without compromising a critical period of growth for their bones and brain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

“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

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

Climacter′ical.—The grand climacteric, the sixty-third year, supposed to be a critical period for men.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

critical period

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