as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pivotal
For them to not only witness [this], but also be there was a very pivotal moment.
—
Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 22 May 2026
Finance organizations are at a pivotal point in AI adoption.
—Tom Hood, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The Everlane sale marks a pivotal shift for the sustainable fashion movement.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Last week, just 5,062 fans attended Game 1 of the Walter Cup Finals — significantly lower than the Victoire’s average attendance of around 9,000 — as the Canadiens took on the Buffalo Sabres in a pivotal Game 5 at the same time.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 22 May 2026
Finance organizations are at a pivotal point in AI adoption.
—Tom Hood, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The Everlane sale marks a pivotal shift for the sustainable fashion movement.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Last week, just 5,062 fans attended Game 1 of the Walter Cup Finals — significantly lower than the Victoire’s average attendance of around 9,000 — as the Canadiens took on the Buffalo Sabres in a pivotal Game 5 at the same time.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
-
That assessment didn’t mention Taiwan directly, but, in relation to Iran, said both sides had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil and natural gas, must remain open.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
The subpoenas were crucial in getting the names of children and their families so the Justice Department could interview them.—
Kimberlee Kruesi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Every scene is shot on location, the soundtrack is wall-to-wall bangers, and the cast is perfect with a few key roles filled by actors in their bygone prime and maybe one or two from beyond the grave.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
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Analysts say a key factor in Adani’s meteoric rise over the years has been his knack for aligning his group’s priorities with those of the Modi government.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
In Canada, those minerals sit in the same rock formations where miners already dig for copper, nickel, and diamonds, or explore for critical green transition metals like lithium and cobalt.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
-
Global energy demand is projected to rise more than 50% by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia and power-hungry AI infrastructure — and LNG, which is a cleaner fuel than coal or oil, is seen as a critical source to help meet that demand.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the shipment of oil, gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
-
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the shipment of oil, gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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