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 High-speed charging serves as a pivotal selling point for Hongqi as the brand scales its global footprint across Europe and the Middle East to take on traditional legacy automakers. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 But a pivotal meeting with Cornyn, whose support on the committee is essential for Blanche to advance, was canceled at the last minute. — Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 29 July 2026 Something pivotal is seemingly going to take place as Femi seems poised to skyrocket into the title picture. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The sweep was pivotal for Miami’s psyche as the team entered the set on a franchise-record 12-game losing streak. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
  1. crucial
  2. key
  3. critical
  4. vital
Adjective
  • Organizations are failing to equip managers with crucial strategic and relational skills, instead focusing on technical AI training for tasks AI will soon automate.
    — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the war has depleted US munitions, particularly air defense interceptors crucial to stopping attacks on bases.
    — Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • Morningstar said in a note Friday that as AI is increasingly becoming an issue of national security for China, CXMT will likely be a key beneficiary.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • The key reason, according to the Tsinghua post, is that China then relied on imports for over 90% of its memory chips.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • The consensus is that for critical business functions, success depends on rigorously validated, specialized AI tailored to specific workflows, rather than broad, general-purpose solutions.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Instead, most Republicans stood firm in a critical hearing with an administration waging a hugely unpopular war, while Democrats highlighted the gap between its premature victory laps and the current stalemate.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • On the domestic side, industry advocates say coal can help ease the panic over data centers — which are vital to economic growth — driving up electric rates for American consumers.
    — Jessica Towhey, Boston Herald, 29 July 2026
  • Many experts disagreed with the decision, saying that work was vital to preventing the next major coronavirus outbreak.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 July 2026
Definition of vital

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Nglish: Translation of pivotal for Spanish Speakers

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