Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

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

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

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

The critical period for the fall-run salmon in the Sacramento is while the eggs are incubating in their gravel beds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2024

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