critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result
the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Experts are gaming out scenarios in which civilian protests reach a critical mass and one or more branches of the security apparatus—the Revolutionary Guard, the Basij militia, the regular army—break away from the regime. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 There will be even greater hurdles and more contentious situations to manage before Vancouver has assembled the sort of critical mass of talent that’s required to open up a championship window. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Thankfully for all of us, that wasn’t the case in Dallas in July 1966 — leading to a moment that became an inflection point along the way to this critical mass. Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026 Consistency of purpose and sustained growth at Disney require timely creative products, continued guest spending (especially from wealthier households), and a critical mass of cast-member collaboration and engagement. Russ Bredholt Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for critical mass

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critical mass was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Critical mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20mass. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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