PIVOTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

pivotal

adjective

ˈpi-və-tᵊl

Definition of pivotal

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance the report was missing a pivotal piece of information

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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 She is credited with having played pivotal roles in Slow Horses, Sweetpea, Apple Cider Vinegar and Heartstopper, and for having a central role in the 2025 deal that saw See-Saw sold to Mediawan. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 In time, Wilfred expanded flowerovlove’s music palette, introducing her to pivotal music like Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Tame Impala’s discography. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 The threat is intensifying at a pivotal moment for Anthropic. — Kate Rooney,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 Now, the actress is set to take on a pivotal role in Denis Villeneuve‘s third entry in the Dune franchise, as the sister to Timothée Chalamet‘s Paul Atreides. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal

Adjective

Rare missile overhaul The suspension system plays a crucial role inside a Minuteman III launch facility.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Diesel, a crucial fuel at the heart of the modern economy, hit an all-time high Friday.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Coach Mike McCarthy and QB Aaron Rodgers also believe that third-year wide receiver Roman Wilson has taken the necessary step forward to be a key contributor this year.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

And although there were some critical mistakes from Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway, the new Baylor QB made big-time throws, showed grit while playing through injury and had the Bears in position to win in the final moments.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
GlobalFoundries and Monarch Quantum will give the company domestic manufacturing partners for two critical parts of its systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

These three mysterious elements of the cosmos have played a vital role in the evolution of large-scale cosmic structures like galaxies and galaxy clusters.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns crews near Kuwait and Bahrain to abandon tankers as both sides maneuver to control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of vital

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“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pivotal

adjective

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