turning point

noun

Definition of turning pointnext
as in milestone
a point in a chain of events at which an important change (as in one's fortunes) occurs the turning point came when Victor finally admitted he was a werewolf

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of turning point During this time, our ideas serve as catalysts while conversations become turning points. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 On the women’s side, that title belongs to Anna Leigh Waters, and her recent Nike deal signaled a turning point. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 August 23 – September 22 Quiet reflection becomes a practical turning point. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 Virgo August 23 – September 22 Quiet reflection becomes a practical turning point. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for turning point
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning point
  1. milestone
  2. climax
  3. watershed
  4. landmark
  5. corner
Noun
  • Give the group one concrete milestone and a way to check progress.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • The 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack has brought a new wave of commemoration, with planners scaling up events to make the milestone more impactful.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of milestone
Noun
  • At this point occurs the climax of the tale, Ichabod’s encounter with the headless horseman, whom the reader assumes is Brom Bones playing a mischievous trick on him.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Regardless of whether players and fans believe the series features one Link or multiple Links across the convoluted timeline posited in the Hyrule Historia, each of these games ends at a moment of frustrated erotic climax.
    — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of climax
Noun
  • About 4 million acres in California are affected, including watersheds of the American, Rubicon and Yuba rivers.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Take, for example, the watershed that runs down Clear Creek Canyon below Lookout Mountain, Mount Vernon and Rainbow Hill.
    — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of watershed
Noun
  • Nearly a quarter of the buildings in Manhattan are under some landmark protections, and in some neighborhoods, like the Upper West Side and Berman’s Village, more than 70 percent of the area is under landmark protections.
    — David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
  • While in Congress, Becerra was a strong advocate and supporter of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark healthcare overhaul championed by former President Obama.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of landmark
Noun
  • Jacob Ramsey’s equaliser was also a demonstration of composure in a pressurised moment, with the midfielder calmly slotting into the bottom right-hand corner, making sure to keep his effort low.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Mensah capped that drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Toney and the two connected on a 2-yard score on the next possession with Toney punctuating both TDs with a Heisman pose for the Hurricanes fans in that corner of the stadium.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of corner

Browse Nearby Words

turning over
turning point
turning points
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turning point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20point. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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