pivotal moment

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 decisive moment defining moment development emergency exigency high noon hinge kairotic moment moment of truth nexus pass peak peripeteia pinch pivot point of no return race against time rising action shift strait transition turn of the tide when push comes to shove zero hour

NOUN

zero hour

Synonyms

WEAK

A-day D-day H-hour appointed hour climax contingency countdown crisis crisis point crossroad crossroads crunch time deadline emergency exigency jumping-off point juncture moment of truth pinch start time strait target target day the time turning point vital 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.

Watch the video above to learn what went wrong and what challenges led one of America’s most iconic restaurant chains to this pivotal moment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

The success of D-day, a pivotal moment in World War II, partially hinged on the weather forecast.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Middleton entered the political fray at a pivotal moment, just as fractures in the Texas Republican Party were beginning to deepen.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

Kevin Warsh is becoming Federal Reserve chair at a pivotal moment for the U.S. economy — forcing him to be something other than the disruptor he hoped to be.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

I wave back and then close my eyes to take stock of my situation, because jumping off a cliff seems like a pivotal moment where a little stock-taking should be done.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

pivotal moment

Example Sentences

Related Words