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

• 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, 3 July 2025

Jota also notably became the first player in Wolves club history to score back-to-back European hat-tricks and was pivotal in their Europa League run. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 July 2025

This is the first of a six-part series looking at figures who have played a pivotal role in a modern football success story. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025

For Sanders, integrating his keyboard and trumpet work with Nashville’s distinctive approach to musicality has been pivotal. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

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