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 During his tenure at AT&T, Tony drove strategic investments in frontier technologies and played a pivotal role in the Time Warner acquisition. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 Weller Millenium was named in honor of a pivotal year for the place it's produced. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 5 Aug. 2025 This moment stripped away the industry’s prejudices about African countries and, instead, highlighted the beauty, drama and versatility of the Mother Continent in a pivotal way. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 4 Aug. 2025 With the pivotal vote for chair on the horizon, different factions of the party have thrown their support behind either candidate. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
  • As a crucial defense against damage from storms, a strong roof has always had elevated importance in Miami and Broward.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Carlisle played a crucial role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark law that established quality and safety standards for American whiskey.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's a look at key moments from the Alaska summit.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • His opinion is valid and the idea that Highsmith would be a key player for Miami after trading Butler did not pan out at all.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The collapse of the Oxbow Bridge, which linked Cibola in La Paz County to California, poses a serious threat to public health and safety and has cut off a critical access route between the two states, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors said.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Experts have long warned about allowing critical supplies to be highly concentrated in one place.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The best managers know starting pitching is vital to postseason success, and the Blue Jays have a chance to make a deep run this year.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Quality service and exceeding customer expectations are vital to winning back repeat customers and withstanding the test of time in a competitive market.
    Geoff Whitmore, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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