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

Kansas defensive end Leroy Harris III’s assignment was to rush the passer on the most pivotal play of the Jayhawks’ 33-32 loss to UCF on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

In that most pivotal clash of the Civil War, more than 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or reported missing. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

For the Federal Reserve, the report also comes at a pivotal time. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

So even though the short-term prospects for change may be limited, this week’s elections and the policy work to come could still prove pivotal in the effort to fix American healthcare. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 5 Nov. 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