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.
Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food, and the Jacobson’s organ plays a pivotal role. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 The actor-comedian arguably played a more pivotal role in getting the ceremony off the ground. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 July 2026 This could be an interesting, and perhaps pivotal, week at Tropicana Field. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026 The race is pivotal to both political parties as Republicans seek to keep control of the Senate and Democrats look to wrest it from them. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 7 July 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 10 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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