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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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 Produced under the banner of BlackCanvas Studio, the film brings together an ensemble cast led by Jackie Shroff and Sharad Kelkar, with Neha Sargam, Virendra Saxena and Shaji Choudhary in pivotal roles. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 With two designer debuts, returning brands, pivotal third shows and events aplenty, there’s much to watch out for. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 Her mom also was in a relationship with a musician at the time, which was pivotal for exposing Brickell’s young brain to the joy that music brought people. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026 While the Veyron represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, Bugatti clearly isn’t afraid to move forward. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal

Adjective

With severe weather forecast for Boston, where the Cubs are slated to play three games crucial to the National League playoff seeding, Major League Baseball is looking at several scenarios to make sure the games get played.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
The pipeline has acted as a crucial relief valve for the oil market during the Iran war.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

In the months that followed, Madonna staged key activations including a rave at West Hollywood’s Abbey and a performance in partnership with Grindr at New York City’s Times Square.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Subtlety and functionality are key, also in areas where others might have emphasized more architectural details.

— Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

But expanding domestic and allied capacity to manufacture the most critical medicines and ingredients — and maintain adequate strategic reserves — would dramatically reduce China’s leverage in any future crisis.

— Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Hospital Association reports critical shortages of health care workers across the state.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Through the inspirational stories of cancer survivors, the new campaign spotlights their personal experiences navigating diagnosis and treatment, the power of community support and the vital importance of early detection.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
SpaceX is pressing hard to certify Starship for orbital flight, a vital step toward moon and Mars travel.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pivotal

adjective

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