defining moment

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.

"This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world," Charles told the US Congress on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Kaja Kallas, who leads the European Commission’s foreign and security policy, described the killing of Khamenei as “a defining moment in Iran’s history.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

This is a defining moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Father James Martin: This was a defining moment for me.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

What was really just a theatrical side show was now being enshrined in memory as the defining moment in the revolutionary drama.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis