pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot

2

: vitally important : critical

pivotally

ˈpi-və-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of pivotal

• crucial
• key
• critical
• vital

Examples of pivotal in a Sentence

She is at a pivotal point in her career.

the report was missing a pivotal piece of information

Recent Examples on the Web

The actor-comedian arguably played a more pivotal role in getting the ceremony off the ground. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Multiple replay challenges, a pivotal plate tag and a brief benches-clearing confrontation highlighted the drama as the Dodgers became the first team to 60 wins. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

The Malacca passage is pivotal to the apparel trade, as Asia-to-Europe or intra-Asia oceanic routes often pass through. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

The race is pivotal to both political parties as Republicans seek to keep control of the Senate and Democrats look to wrest it from them. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot

2

: extremely important : critical

a pivotal discovery

pivotally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb