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

First published in 1989, The Babysitter and its three sequels — The Babysitter II (1991), The Babysitter III (1993), and The Babysitter IV (1995) — were pivotal in defining Stine as a preeminent horror and children’s author. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Last year, a record amount over $100 million was spent on a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race that — while officially nonpartisan — kept liberals in narrow control of the court. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

With October polls showing a tightening contest in both races, these undecided Black voters could play a pivotal role in determining the election results. — Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

But the seventh, launched in 2003, was perhaps the most pivotal. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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