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.

The latest deal doesn’t mark a turning point for Lilly, as the company has spelled out its AI ambitions for years.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The regulations are a turning point in a decades-long fight between tribal casinos and the cardroom industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Now, 32 years on, another turning point beckons.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

My first career turning point was playing Elvis in the 1979 TV movie ‘Elvis.’

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

But my freshman year of high school wasn't just a significant turning point in my relationship with Samira.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi