pivotal

adjective

ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Definition of pivotalnext
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance the report was missing a pivotal piece of information

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That objective vehicle data dismantled the suspect’s alibi, advanced the investigation, and played a pivotal role in securing a conviction in one of Central Florida’s most heartbreaking cases. — Charles "chuck" Broadway, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, and Charles De Ketelaere have been relentless in front of goal, while captain Youri Tielemans has been pivotal in the midfield. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 10 July 2026 As the clock continues to tick toward a pivotal moment for Platner's candidacy, former progressive allies and the state Democratic Party are fighting over the potential nomination process to replace him. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 July 2026 Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
  1. crucial
  2. key
  3. critical
  4. vital
Adjective
  • Both are well in the hunt for the World Cup’s Golden Boot award, having scored crucial winning goals for their countries almost every step of the way.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • The pieces of it that Weiden shares with us, including a passage about Native athletes’ crucial role in the early history of the sport of football, are eye-opening.
    — Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • Ukraine, meantime, has also recently ramped up missile and drone attacks against key infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, including oil refineries, ports and military factories.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Verbeek also has lost four key defensemen — captain Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, John Carlson and Olen Zellweger — in the past month while adding only journeyman Nick Jensen as a probable replacement.
    — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Infrastructure In infrastructure, the analysts said investors should look at companies that own critical networks such as grids, pipelines, fiber networks and transport assets that are difficult to replicate.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • Women comprise 35% of US STEM employees, yet retention, not attraction, is the primary challenge, with women leaving at higher rates and companies losing critical knowledge.
    — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • Ultimately this is a dispute over who controls the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane for 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas.
    — Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • Supporting managers is vital for boosting overall employee engagement, performance, and retention.
    — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of vital

Browse Nearby Words

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pivotal
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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Nglish: Translation of pivotal for Spanish Speakers

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