as in milestones
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
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Recent Examples of turning points
This is a strong example of how compact street design and high walker and biking activity can concentrate crash risk, especially at intersections and turning points.
—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
But Georgia’s history is littered with moments that felt like turning points and ended in Republican triumph.
—Eric Mandel, AJC.com, 13 Apr. 2026
The podcast's premise, built around the mentors and turning points that shape people's lives, gives Begnaud room to go somewhere most celebrity interviews don't.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Its rise can be traced through a series of turning points beginning in the 1930s.
—J.c. Reid, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026
However, the full moon in Leo on February 1 is pointing to turning points in your career or status this month, and the eclipse in Aquarius on February 17 strongly suggests that this new beginning will involve changes to your domestic life, living situation, and family.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Economically and socially, conversations around value, resources, sustainability, and wealth distribution may reach turning points.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Almost half of those turning points are driven by external shocks rather than internal execution failures.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The Eras Tour Brain scans of thousands of people revealed that the human brain has five distinct eras, with turning points in the way it is organized occurring at age nine, 32, 66 and 83.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
But Georgia’s history is littered with moments that felt like turning points and ended in Republican triumph.
—Eric Mandel, AJC.com, 13 Apr. 2026
The podcast's premise, built around the mentors and turning points that shape people's lives, gives Begnaud room to go somewhere most celebrity interviews don't.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Its rise can be traced through a series of turning points beginning in the 1930s.
—J.c. Reid, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026
However, the full moon in Leo on February 1 is pointing to turning points in your career or status this month, and the eclipse in Aquarius on February 17 strongly suggests that this new beginning will involve changes to your domestic life, living situation, and family.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Economically and socially, conversations around value, resources, sustainability, and wealth distribution may reach turning points.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Almost half of those turning points are driven by external shocks rather than internal execution failures.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The Eras Tour Brain scans of thousands of people revealed that the human brain has five distinct eras, with turning points in the way it is organized occurring at age nine, 32, 66 and 83.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning points
Noun
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Here’s a look at the major career milestones of Adriano Goldschmied.—
Maria Cristina Pavarini,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
-
Weeks, a social media personality from Texas, often shares glimpses of their life together on her Instagram, including family outings and Emma's milestones.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
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That climaxes in a kaleidoscope of styles where Esteban, directing one scene, erupts in fury, reverting to a verbal and physical violence which Emilia obviously knew and suffered as child, Sorogoyen explains.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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Via one of popular music’s most stratospherically elevating climaxes, the song shifts into gospel overdrive with the explosive entrance of disco’s mightiest, most visceral vocalist, Loleatta Holloway.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Lisa Collins, a forensic scientist at Washington State Patrol, told CNN new software and strides in genetic genealogy are two relatively recent watersheds in DNA technology that have allowed for breakthroughs in cold cases like these.—
Nina Giraldo,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
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Rising demand for biomass fuels also degrades watersheds and wildlife habitats as people go deeper into previously undisturbed areas, increasing pressure on ecosystems and the species that depend on them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The first version of Soarin', Soarin' Over California, was an opening day attraction at Disney California Adventure in 2001, and featured a tour of California landmarks.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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The annual rankings highlight the world’s top tours, activities, and attractions based on user reviews, offering a snapshot of what travelers are prioritizing right now—from immersive outdoor adventures to iconic city landmarks.—
Bailey Berg,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Be sure to drop into the sultry Pine Bar—all low lighting and dark corners—which specializes in wonderfully creative cocktails, delivered in whimsical locked boxes by suave waiters in red-velvet smoking jackets.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
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The right shrubs can turn low-light areas into the lushest part of your landscape—with layered foliage, dramatic texture, and blooms that brighten even the darkest corners.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turning points.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20points. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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