as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Prince William Steps Up His Statesman Role to Represent King Charles at Reopening of Notre Dame
In 2023, several pivotal moments in the restoration process took place, including the sudden death of the army general who had been selected to oversee the project, General Jean-Louis Georgelin.
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Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
The event marks a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s over 850-year history.
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024
Who will come out on top at Ford Field?
Stay with NBC News all night for live coverage from the pivotal matchup.
—NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024
The district was one of several seats in California seen as pivotal in the fight for control of Congress, and was one of three in the state that Democrats wrangled from Republican control.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal 
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
The event marks a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s over 850-year history.
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024
Who will come out on top at Ford Field?
Stay with NBC News all night for live coverage from the pivotal matchup.
—NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024
The district was one of several seats in California seen as pivotal in the fight for control of Congress, and was one of three in the state that Democrats wrangled from Republican control.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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His five-year pro bono initiative provides crucial guidance to Veteran organizations, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success.Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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Certified transcripts are crucial for appeals, and the absence of such records can be a factor in judicial decisions on child custody, domestic violence and other high-stakes legal matters, according to the lawsuit.Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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For him, this is the key divide in American politics.Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
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Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix.ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But Hurts hasn’t been reliable on a passer in critical scenarios.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
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Proper irrigation is critical, even when leaves have fallen from plants.Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Stolarz has been vital to the Leafs’ 17-9-2 record so far this season.Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
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These successes illustrate that diversity of thought is vital for advancing AI and addressing universal challenges from new angles.Gyehyon Andrea Jo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pivotal
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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