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Definitions

turning point

NOUN
critical juncture
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 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.

But has there been a turning point along the way, where if you look back, you think, 'OK, all of this...

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The discovery of a dense network of domain walls throughout perovskites proved to be a turning point.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

In retrospect, the Suez crisis is seen as a turning point in 20th-century history.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

A turning point came in 2005 when then-KMT chairman Lien Chan made an "ice-breaking" visit to Beijing to meet then-Chinese President Hu Jintao.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Younger than both Frieda and Pecola, I had not yet arrived at the turning point in the development of my psyche which would allow me to love her.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison