pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
Synonyms of pivotalnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally
ˈpi-və-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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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
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.
Gherardi was a pivotal figure in the eyewear industry. — Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025 The task demanding such heroic efforts was to select the American wines that would compete in the reenactment of one of modern history’s most pivotal wine competitions. — David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 The immersive experience will allow fans to dive into the universe of the Colombian artist through thematic spaces showcasing her evolution, creative process, and pivotal moments in her career. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025 The collection will debut during Women’s History Month, marking a special tribute to the designer, who is also a pivotal fashion figure due to the creation of her eponymous brand, founded in 1987. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

pivotal
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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Nglish: Translation of pivotal for Spanish Speakers

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