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

That proved to be a pivotal distinction, leading two of the liberal justices to join the majority. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

The pivotal chapter began in the 18th century. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

Boosting China’s bold space ambitions The team, from the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also highlighted their material’s potential for aerospace applications during a pivotal moment in spaceflight history. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026

Rural Americans’ health care worries reflect broader national concerns about access and rising prices of care as the cost of living spikes — anxieties that could prove pivotal in this year’s midterm elections. —ABC News, 3 Apr. 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