as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pivotal
From his roots in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to decades of public service, Biden has played a pivotal role in transformative moments in American history.
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Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
One of the world’s biggest pop stars has played a pivotal role in the increase in female Chiefs fans over the last year.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2024
The congressional district that includes sections of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties could play a pivotal role in the partisan battle over control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans seek to hold onto a narrow majority.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
This is a very important point for Lila, because the emancipation of women plays a pivotal role in Elena Ferrante’s books.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal 
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
One of the world’s biggest pop stars has played a pivotal role in the increase in female Chiefs fans over the last year.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2024
The congressional district that includes sections of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties could play a pivotal role in the partisan battle over control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans seek to hold onto a narrow majority.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
This is a very important point for Lila, because the emancipation of women plays a pivotal role in Elena Ferrante’s books.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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In light of the attack, that aid has become especially crucial.Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
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Another crucial aspect of BPD recovery and relationship-building is educating oneself about the disorder.Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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But as Max Hastings’ trial approaches, key witness Jamie Reynolds suddenly disappears and Pip finds herself in a race against time to find him.Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
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But as Max Hastings’ trial approaches, key witness Jamie Reynolds suddenly disappears and Pip finds herself in a race against time to find him and struggling with the idea of justice.Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The project emerged from Sethi’s observation of a critical gap in media coverage.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
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For women, estrogen plays a similarly critical role.Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Under the strategic direction of Soleimani, the IRGC’s Quds Force, along with Iraqi Shiite armed groups, began constructing a vital land bridge to transport supplies, weapons, and personnel from Iran and Iraq into Syria.Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
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Upcoming: November 12th – Wild Hope, Wildlife Corridors, and Citizen Science Learn how citizen scientists and experts are working together to identify and protect vital wildlife corridors, and how you can get involved in conservation efforts.Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pivotal
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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