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

At a venue like Winged Foot, similar length proved pivotal in Bryson DeChambeau’s 2020 victory, an encouraging precedent for James. —Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

The Yankees’ catcher played a pivotal part in the series opener as well, as Wells hit a three-run homer and totaled five RBI in Tuesday’s game. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025

Cassidy said Kennedy also pledged to keep in place a pivotal independent advisory panel on vaccine policy. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 June 2025

Advocates say the technology, which is the process that powers the sun and stars, can play a pivotal role in the energy transition. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 11 June 2025

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