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

Topline Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria Sunday after rebels seized control of Damascus, Russia’s foreign ministry said—a pivotal moment in the years-long civil war against the regime that has controlled Syria since the 1970s. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

The races in 2026 feature three dozen gubernatorial contests, including swing states Arizona, Pennsylvania and Michigan amid the pivotal mid-term elections for Congress. —Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, 8 Dec. 2024

Further research led to the pivotal semaglutide discovery, a derivative of exendin-4 but one that remained in the body for longer, for better insulin regulation. —New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024

Hutchinson's shocking return would provide a massive boost for the Detroit defense at the most pivotal moment of the season. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 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