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.

It could be a turning point for the fledgling government, but it’s very unclear in what direction.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

The study examined more than 200 years of global population data and identified a major turning point in human population trends that began during the mid twentieth century.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

The failed breakout above the $149.89 cup-base pivot on Feb. 4 marked a key turning point.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Hearing Hawkins’s recording of “Body and Soul” as a fourth-grader had been a turning point for Rollins musically and eventually lead him to switch from alto to tenor saxophone.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

“I don’t know if that was a turning point, but I’m extremely grateful that I did it.”

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

turning point

Example Sentences

Related Words