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.
However, Nike’s f iscal fourth-quarter release on Tuesday night is a pivotal one for us. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 June 2026 Following Davis’ death, Keys was among the wave of legendary artists crediting Davis for being pivotal at the start of their careers. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Being at the office is a pivotal experience in skills development that for skill development that wouldn’t be possible clocking in from the couch. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Lap 22 was a pivotal moment, where Verstappen passed Hamilton with a neat dive to the inside of Turn 6 and left the Ferrari firmly behind. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Nglish: Translation of pivotal for Spanish Speakers

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