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
Now, humanity stands at a pivotal juncture as the laborious, expensive and high-stakes process of attempting to convert such grand visions into reality is actually underway.
—
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The production also takes good visual advantage of its many scenic Ontario, Canada, locations, especially a sweeping pivotal sequence that’s shot on the SkyBridge, which holds the record as the longest pedestrian bridge in North America.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Having multiple starter-caliber players at that position is pivotal over the course of a college football season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The vote marked a pivotal moment in Missouri, potentially altering the political makeup of Kansas City for years.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The production also takes good visual advantage of its many scenic Ontario, Canada, locations, especially a sweeping pivotal sequence that’s shot on the SkyBridge, which holds the record as the longest pedestrian bridge in North America.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Having multiple starter-caliber players at that position is pivotal over the course of a college football season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The vote marked a pivotal moment in Missouri, potentially altering the political makeup of Kansas City for years.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Guiding principles, both personal and professional, are just as crucial as having the right policy goals.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The concerns colored their respective candidacies to the point that key races were lost.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Future of Space Technologies Remote sensing, earth observation, digital biosphere twinning – space technologies are key here, too.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Xi Jinping has remarked that relying on foreign supply of critical technologies—like semiconductors—is tantamount to building one's house on someone else's foundation.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Bynum made a diving catch that extinguished a critical drive for the Broncos.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These short stories about scientists working at the leading edge of climate microbiology reveal the vital role microbes play in our biosphere and climate system, and illuminate new possibilities for collaborating with these incredible natural chemists.—
Katherine Bourzac,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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The traditional playbook of financial engineering and operational efficiency, while still vital, is no longer sufficient.—
Cristian Paun,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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