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

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, 14 July 2026

Sugars play a pivotal role in living systems, helping to provide energy, build biological structures and form parts of genetic material such as RNA and DNA. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Democrats see Maine as pivotal to their chances to retake the Senate. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 14 July 2026

The Battle of Karbala marked a pivotal moment for this faction when Ḥusayn, a son of ʿAlī and grandson of Muhammad, mounted a challenge to Yazīd but was defeated and slain in the battle. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 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