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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some scientists said that infancy can be a critical period to shape the microbiome, and potentially prevent disease and improve health later on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Even so, scientists still lack a complete understanding of how the brain's complex networks are shaped during this critical period.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

The trajectory of the market will depend on where costs are during a critical period beginning in late January.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

Elias is the first to date the rock layers and identify them as from the critical period that is missing from all other rock formations in all other parts of the world.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2024

By deserting their native land at the most critical period of its history, the French nobility cast a stain on their order, which may never be wiped out.

From The Maid of Honour, Volume 2 (of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Wingfield, Lewis

critical period

Example Sentences

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