as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of pivotal
As climate goals become more urgent and regulatory pressures intensify, retailers are at a pivotal moment in their sustainability journeys.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
But there were two pivotal moments in the final 10 minutes of the third period, and the Blue Jackets ended up on the wrong side of two correct calls.
—Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
This community has been pivotal in terms of support.
—John Perrotto, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Kodi, the back country wilderness guide for two frog scientists (played by Nelson Franklin and Ashley Sutton) in a pivotal episode.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
But there were two pivotal moments in the final 10 minutes of the third period, and the Blue Jackets ended up on the wrong side of two correct calls.
—Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
This community has been pivotal in terms of support.
—John Perrotto, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Kodi, the back country wilderness guide for two frog scientists (played by Nelson Franklin and Ashley Sutton) in a pivotal episode.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
-
With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
All of these activities, at home and abroad, have shaped health policy in crucial ways that in turn protect people’s health.—
Casey Luc,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The District 3 race could also play a key role on whether Mahan successfully implements his policy agenda over the next year, as his bloc currently holds a slim voting advantage on the dais that could shift if Quevedo does not win the seat.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Democratic primary could become a litmus test for the future of the party in a key swing state and Senate contest.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Having visibility across not only tier 1 but tier 2 and 3 suppliers to navigate risk, disruption, trade and more is critical.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The win was also critical for the Lakers (49-31) who are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the rival Clippers in the loaded West.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Players such as Tuch, who emerged as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL this season, and Zucker, a reliable veteran who gets to the front of the net and plays a no-nonsense game, are vital pieces to a winning team.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Duffy, having pushed aside the MTA as the lead agency for a better Penn, must as his first immediate order of business cancel Amtrak’s partial closure of the vital East River Tunnel, connecting Penn to Queens, Long Island and New England.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share