pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot

2

: vitally important : critical

pivotally

ˈpi-və-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of pivotal

• crucial
• key
• critical
• vital

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

The Lions, coming off a win over the Green Bay Packers in their first division game of the season, are well aware that the game against the Vikings is potentially pivotal in the NFC North race. — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

This pivotal 2026 paper looking at US readers found that people picking up a book – digital or otherwise – has continued to decline each year over the last two decades. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Cárdenas played a pivotal role in Mexico's democratization, beginning with his first presidential bid in 1988, which ended in a defeat widely regarded as the result of widespread electoral fraud. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026

Adams picked Scott Sartiano as his rep early in his term, and his fellow board members have indicated to me that Sartiano was an active board member who was pivotal and energizing for the team. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot

2

: extremely important : critical

a pivotal discovery

pivotally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb