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.

Pratt “could be a turning point, a tipping point character,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

City had the title in their own hands 15 days ago, but the trip to Everton proved to be a turning point, dropping two points in a thrilling 3-3 draw that Arsenal fully capitalised on.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

I didn’t intend for this to be a turning point in terms of style or direction going forward.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

The Ediacaran period occurred before the Cambrian explosion, a major evolutionary turning point when rising oxygen levels helped complex organisms diversify rapidly across Earth's oceans.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

A turning point in my writing was the discovery of a short story by James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues.”

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

turning point

Example Sentences

Related Words