pivotal

adjective

ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Definition of pivotalnext
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance the report was missing a pivotal piece of information

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pivotal The plight of the Palestinians continues to resonate with foreign publics, limiting how far pivotal countries such as Saudi Arabia will go in normalizing relations with Israel. — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026 Analysts note that this earnings season is pivotal for tech giants as investor confidence in growth durability begins to wane. — CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 Few of us living in Southern California fully grasp the pivotal role the area has played in the history of flight and space travel. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 To cast a ballot in Israel’s pivotal elections Tuesday, Shai Schoenfeld had to fly home. — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
  1. crucial
  2. key
  3. critical
  4. vital
Adjective
  • Even the golf cart service (crucial in a resort this big) is on point, with a seamless online ordering platform and a bounty of staff ready to ferry you around, even at peak times.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • This latest accomplishment adds to an already strong year for Skechers athletes, as OG Anunoby was crucial to the New York Knicks’ championship and made the game-winning shot to cap off a historic comeback in game 4 of the NBA Finals.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • The election process was marred by allegations of voter suppression, with Lula's campaign reporting suspended public transportation in some key areas, prompting the court to extend voting by two hours.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Cooper has led wire-to-wire over Republican opponent Michael Whatley, maintaining wide polling and fundraising leads and forcing key GOP super PACs to pause spending in the race to focus elsewhere.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Key Takeaways These artificial channels are up to five times more selective for lithium, offering a simpler way to extract the critical battery material.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Seeking to acquire as wide a tent of support as possible, Student List purposefully left its position on most critical issues outside of corruption vague and noncommittal.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • The incumbent senator acknowledged in a recent interview that the president’s visits to Kansas were vital to his reelection campaign.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Russia is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure – including vital energy systems – in Ukraine, an independent UN investigations panel said on Monday.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of vital

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pivotal
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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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