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
Over in India, French strategists succeeded in forging a pivotal new anti-British alliance with Haidar Ali, the Muslim ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.
—
Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Younger voters and precincts near Charlotte’s center city helped propel the pivotal sales tax referendum on this year’s ballot to passage despite a swell of opposition in southeast Mecklenburg.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, the book has complicated historians' efforts to understand the truth of what really happened during this pivotal moment in the history of science.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
The death proved to be a pivotal moment for then-city councilman Ravi Bhalla.
—Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Younger voters and precincts near Charlotte’s center city helped propel the pivotal sales tax referendum on this year’s ballot to passage despite a swell of opposition in southeast Mecklenburg.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, the book has complicated historians' efforts to understand the truth of what really happened during this pivotal moment in the history of science.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
The death proved to be a pivotal moment for then-city councilman Ravi Bhalla.
—Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Published in Aerospace Science and Technology, the study describes that the Accurate prediction of aerodynamic drag characteristics across a wide range of wing-body configurations is crucial in the early design stages of transonic commercial transport aircraft.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
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On Wednesday, investigators recovered the plane’s black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder — which could hold crucial information about what led to the disaster.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As Spring told Fortune, Macy’s recent success—including its best quarter for sales growth in three years—is thanks to a playbook focused on less store clutter, a more focused assortment of products and brands, and more staffing in key departments such as women’s shoes and dresses.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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On February 12, the Austrian chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg met Hitler and agreed to appoint various Nazi figures to key posts in exchange for Hitler reaffirming Austrian sovereignty.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The shutdown has disrupted federal operations, delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of workers, and put critical programs at risk.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Some fans were critical of Chiefs general manager Brett Veach when the team failed to make a deal last week ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Ukraine is also likely to home in on Russia's military facilities vital for propping up aerospace manufacturing as part of its strike campaign on high-value Russian assets, the analysts will say.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Pierre’s ability to penetrate proved vital against Lamar’s athleticism and the Horned Frogs wouldn’t have been able to win without him.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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