as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Now is a pivotal moment in the global fight against blasphemy laws, and in favor of religious freedom and free speech.
—
Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
As businesses grapple with burnout and individuals search for balance, the wellness industry finds itself at a pivotal point.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The museum captures numerous pivotal turning points in the industry.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
The 49ers defense came up huge to stop the Rams on fourth down in a pivotal moment in overtime to win the game.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
As businesses grapple with burnout and individuals search for balance, the wellness industry finds itself at a pivotal point.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The museum captures numerous pivotal turning points in the industry.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
The 49ers defense came up huge to stop the Rams on fourth down in a pivotal moment in overtime to win the game.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
-
The specific demands of the Singapore Grand Prix, one of the hottest and most physically gruelling races on the F1 calendar, made the grid’s preparations in the past week or so that bit more crucial, with a ‘heat hazard’ now declared for the race.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Utility executives and analysts have said clean energy projects are crucial to help power new data centers and factories, because they can be built quickly and produce electricity that is relatively cheap.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And the first one for UM provided a positive note for three key players.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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The role is one that often goes under the public radar yet holds key power in implementing the president’s goals.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But during a critical game early in the season, that’s exactly what took place.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Others took note of Jones on that play, and many were critical of the Chiefs star.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Matz Sels made three vital saves to ensure the scoreline was not more emphatic, beyond Nick Woltemade’s penalty.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Our eyes are vital to maintaining independence and quality of life.—
Team Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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