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Showing results for critical period.
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.

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

Lingering distortions might make it harder for investors and policymakers to track inflation during a critical period when many are hyperfocused on how big changes to trade, immigration and fiscal policy are affecting the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

But the critical period leading up to Snowball Earth was thought to be missing because the rock layers were eroded by the big freeze.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2024

Further, the results align nicely with prior research suggesting that infancy is a critical period that shapes the health and strength of the immune system throughout life, the researchers say.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2024

These men, and such men—these and no others—did the debating and the fighting for the great Tory party of England at a most critical period of that party's existence.

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by McCarthy, Justin