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

There's also a pivotal clash in the women's flyweight division as former champion Alexa Grasso tangles with top contender Manon Fiorot. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Perhaps most notably of all, though, Stiles was essential to the success of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil from the pivotal days of his early career through every NFL stop. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

The results land at a pivotal moment for SpaceX, which has tumbled roughly 50% from its peak stock price of $211 days after its IPO on June 12. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Rather, the pivotal transactions, graphed like the peaks and valleys of a volatile stock index, are the relations between men and women. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 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