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

• critical
• crucial
• key
• 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 congressional district that includes sections of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties could play a pivotal role in the partisan battle over control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans seek to hold onto a narrow majority. —John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

This is a very important point for Lila, because the emancipation of women plays a pivotal role in Elena Ferrante’s books. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

That makes preserving access health care a pivotal issue for her. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Schneider allegedly was unaware of the pivotal scene in which Brando’s character anally rapes her character using a stick of butter as a lubricant. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024

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