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
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Yet, the nation’s Jewish community is rarely asked about its views on these pivotal issues of tolerance, belonging and pluralism.
—
James Druckman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
But this is a pivotal year for Leipold and KU football.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The two games in Macao were a pivotal step in repairing the relationship with the NBA’s second-biggest market.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
While that response is similar to 2024, the number of consumers that plan to shop during the Thanksgiving shopping holidays has increased by 23 percentage points over the past five years, underscoring how pivotal these promotions are.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
James Druckman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
But this is a pivotal year for Leipold and KU football.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The two games in Macao were a pivotal step in repairing the relationship with the NBA’s second-biggest market.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
While that response is similar to 2024, the number of consumers that plan to shop during the Thanksgiving shopping holidays has increased by 23 percentage points over the past five years, underscoring how pivotal these promotions are.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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The Bundesliga champions are unbeaten this season, with crucial contributions from Kane (11 goals and three assists in the league).—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Officials say there were no survivors inside the facility, depriving investigators of crucial eyewitness accounts of the final moments leading up to the explosion.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The test strengthens Diehl’s position as a key defense contractor for Germany’s ongoing modernization programs.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
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There’s some evidence that games can benefit the brain by building and reinforcing key functions like memory, problem solving and focus.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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However, the White House later released a fact sheet stating the countries will invest more than $3 billion in critical mineral projects over the next six months.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
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Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Plants that remain standing offer birds and other wildlife vital shelter from predators and harsh weather.—
Benjamin Vogt,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Oct. 2025
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This test analyzes 20 key areas of nutritional and functional health, including a detailed look at metabolism, diet and all of their vital systems—from digestive and muscular to nervous and endocrine systems.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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