pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Synonyms of pivotalnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hanky Panky founders Gale Epstein and Lida Orzeck, who had been looking to sell the business, will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s future. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025 The Port Authority of Kansas City delayed a pivotal vote Monday on whether to grant decades-long property tax exemptions to the Country Club Plaza’s new owners after facing sustained public opposition from school officials, library leaders, teachers and parents. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 2025 Those agreements were pivotal in preserving some workers’ telework privileges. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025 The New Yorker is already planning our coverage for a momentous 2026, which will include pivotal midterm elections, the start of Zohran Mamdani’s high-stakes mayoralty, and the athletic feats and political undercurrents of the Winter Olympics and the World Cup. David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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