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

Policy plays a pivotal role in this transformation. —Dan Kelly, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Another newcomer, who ended up in the pivotal role of the mother of the deceased girl, unknowingly introduced herself while production was prepping to film at a police station. —Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Bardella's announcement marks the passing of the influential figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the French far-right political landscape. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Basquiat also reimagined pivotal moments in history through the lens of the Swiss Alps. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 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