defining moment
noun
: the time that shows very clearly what something is really about
That was the campaign's defining moment.
Examples of defining moment in a Sentence
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Newsom v. Trump: A defining moment for America or the California governor’s shot at presidency?
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Pedro Rios, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
What should be a relatively straightforward event, in which Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of the Exchequer, sets out the government’s spending plans for the next three financial years, has even been billed by some commentators as the defining moment of this parliament.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Immediately, Riedle realised this was what he would be remembered for, the defining moment of his career.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Taylor's death sparked nationwide outrage and became a defining moment in the 2020 racial justice protests.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
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Pedro Rios, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
What should be a relatively straightforward event, in which Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of the Exchequer, sets out the government’s spending plans for the next three financial years, has even been billed by some commentators as the defining moment of this parliament.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Immediately, Riedle realised this was what he would be remembered for, the defining moment of his career.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Taylor's death sparked nationwide outrage and became a defining moment in the 2020 racial justice protests.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for defining moment
Cite this Entry
“Defining moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defining%20moment. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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