decisive moment

NOUN

critical mass

Synonyms

WEAK

climax crisis crisis point critical juncture critical point critical stage crossroads crucial moment crunch time 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

NOUN

crossroad/crossroads

Synonyms

WEAK

juncture turning point

NOUN

defining moment

Synonyms

WEAK

climax critical moment crunch kairos kairotic moment loaded moment moment of truth point of no return turning point

NOUN

moment of truth

Synonyms

WEAK

charged moment climax crucial moment crunch defining moment fated moment fateful moment kairos kairotic moment pregnant moment turning point when push comes to shove

NOUN

point of no return

Synonyms

WEAK

Rubicon climax crossroads crunch defining moment match point moment of truth terminus turning point when push comes to shove

NOUN

turning point

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climax critical point crux culmination juncture twist

WEAK

axis change climacteric contingency crisis critical mass critical moment critical period crossing crossroads crucial moment crucial occurrence crucial period crunch cusp 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.

He and his wife had some money to invest, but the decisive moment came when his friend Bill Murray—yes, that Bill Murray—agreed to split the cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

A discussion between Merz and Macron, at a summit last week, appears to have been a decisive moment in bringing the jet project to an end.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

"I think we're at a decisive moment, the next two or three weeks will be crucial."

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

As a decisive moment in Santa Barbara’s history, the earthquake also offered the opportunity to reshape its look.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2025

Thus, Atahuallpa’s capture interests us specifically as marking the decisive moment in the greatest collision of modern history.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

decisive moment

Example Sentences

Related Words