pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Synonyms of pivotalnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally adverb

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
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.
On June 28, 1969, White was passing by the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, when patrons fought back during a police raid in what became one of the pivotal events in the fight for gay rights. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025 Shades of red, green, and white are—obviously—pivotal. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2025 The report came at a pivotal time, as the Biden administration had just paused approvals for new natural gas exports to give the Energy Department time to weigh the climate effects of the fuel source, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025 Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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