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
His role is pivotal as a heroic and charismatic young man who inspires his friends to use their powers for more than just their own amusement.
—
Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Garcia provided that calm throughout the storm at state, securing a pivotal takedown that paved the path to an 8-5 victory for his third consecutive individual championship.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
All of it adds up to a pivotal 2026 season for Colorado and Deion Sanders, who makes $10 million a year after reaching a new deal last offseason.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Garcia provided that calm throughout the storm at state, securing a pivotal takedown that paved the path to an 8-5 victory for his third consecutive individual championship.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
All of it adds up to a pivotal 2026 season for Colorado and Deion Sanders, who makes $10 million a year after reaching a new deal last offseason.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Oil revenue is crucial for Moscow's war effort.—
HANNA ARHIROVA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
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That’s where Willard’s assistant, Dan McKinney, and the Mets’ vice president for pitching, Eric Jagers, will be crucial.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Oil prices fell again below the key $100 per barrel mark, the highest levels since 2022.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Panthers agree to bring back cornerback Akayleb Evans The Panthers are bringing back a key special teams player as well as a depth piece in their secondary.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
9 Mar. 2026
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His research reveals that airlines cut costs in critical areas to prop up the dirt-cheap prices.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Skip to main content As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
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Your support through a tax-deductible donation or low-cost subscription is vital to our ability to deliver credible, relevant, unique coverage of our community.—
Brett Vito Mar 13,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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