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 election could prove pivotal for several pieces of pending science legislation. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026 Amid projections of a Democratic blue wave, as voters head to the polls, several pivotal races are too close for all the experts to comfortably predict. — Ruairí Arrieta-Kenna, Time, 3 Nov. 2026 This strikes me as a pivotal and perhaps franchise-altering moment for the Ravens. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 The shift away from promotional activity, the exec noted, has also been pivotal in maintaining its growth streak, with the company leaning more on building brand equity and desirability. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
  1. crucial
  2. key
  3. critical
  4. vital
Adjective
  • For one, attaching the perfect director of photography for the project was going to be crucial, so to capture the film’s kinetic club scenes and the vibe of present-day lower Manhattan and north Brooklyn.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Lu Dort had 25 points, including a crucial shot clock-beating corner jumper late in the fourth quarter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • Those key colleagues and supporters turned against her, then went on to help orchestrate her political demise.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Baird hailed Ingle’s campaign and her focus on education as a key issue.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Maine was seen as critical to Democrats’ path to the Senate majority this fall and remained one of the most expensive states in terms of advertising spending.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Zelenskyy said Ukraine's priorities for the talks were halting strikes on energy and critical infrastructure, unblocking Black Sea grain shipments and expanding prisoner exchanges.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • Skip to main content Find hotels Restaurants Bars As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Samson said art was a vital healing outlet while in treatment.
    — Cindy Hsu, CBS News, 3 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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