pivotal

adjective

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

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.
This is a pivotal moment to foster a more inclusive and equitable financial system. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Cancer: Cindy Brady As the sweet and innocent youngest daughter in the Brady family, Cindy is a pivotal family member. Athena Sobhan, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 But Musk’s connections with the six women he’s allegedly had pivotal relationships with over the past 25 years may offer some deeper truths about the man who has swiftly become one of the most powerful in the US government. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025 Hunter prides herself on her ability to create offense for others, but she was forced to be a scorer in the pivotal moments against Colorado. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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