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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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 Recent surveys have indicated that Democrats are leading over Republicans on generic ballots, with just a few months before the pivotal November midterm elections. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 The most pivotal moment of this is anchored by a monologue performed by Mark Ruffalo, who landed a lead actor Emmy nom. — Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026 The effort comes as Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and Naval Academy graduate who was elected New Jersey governor last year after serving in Congress, seeks to build a national political profile at a pivotal moment for Democrats. — Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Beyond the pivotal matter of health, much of the difference in winning and losing comes down to the margins and the details on third-and-shorts and such. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal

Adjective

Other key matchups include Amanda Lemos facing late replacement Alexia Thainara, and Miles Johns seeking a crucial win.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
In a game of fine margins, which way those nations swing could prove crucial.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

That connection is ultimately what put Tupac’s life in jeopardy, Davis argued in the book Compton Street Legend, which has become a key piece of evidence in the case against him.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
The event featured Georgia's congressional, Senate, House, and gubernatorial candidates discussing key economic issues affecting the state and nation.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

Cyberattacks against critical systems often leave defenders searching for clues outside the machine.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Zawiya is home to critical energy infrastructure, including Libya’s largest oil refinery, an export terminal and a power plant.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Tuesday morning that a deal to unlock the waterway — a vital transit route for oil, gas, fertilizer and other industrial products — could be reached this week.

— Spencer Kimball,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Building vital workflows on a single model feels riskier when that model can be pulled offline.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of vital

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pivot

pivotal

pivoted

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“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pivotal

adjective

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