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

She was named President in 2008 after securing a pivotal NASA contract. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 June 2026

Burnham, a former cabinet minister who’s been Mayor of Greater Manchester for the best part of a decade, now re-enters parliament at a pivotal moment for his party. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

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. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

Estefanía Martín As production and project development director at Grupo Macaronesia, Estefanía Martín occupies a quietly pivotal position in the Canary Islands’ audiovisual ecosystem. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 June 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