pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Synonyms of pivotal
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally
ˈpi-və-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of pivotal

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Examples of pivotal in a Sentence

She is at a pivotal point in her career. the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The distracting Diwali fireworks distracted led to reshoots of the pivotal moment. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Sliman Mansour, a pivotal figure in contemporary Arab art history, with an oeuvre synonymous with the struggle for Palestinian statehood, has died at 79. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The pivotal invention paved the way for the miniaturization and mass production of electronic components, revolutionizing technology. — USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Standout Screenings Celebrating a quarter century on State Street, the Siskel Center is showing 25 pivotal films, including the 1974 blaxploitation classic Foxy Brown, starring Pam Grier. — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

pivot
pivotal
pivotal fault
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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
adverb
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