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 some historical context, Tacna played a pivotal role in The War of the Pacific, in which Peru was defeated by Chile in 1883.
—
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 11 June 2025
Weinstein’s initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywood’s most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
In the 2024 season, Smith emerged as a pivotal weapon in Miami’s offense, setting franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
—Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Competing for the pivotal center position are Carter Miller and Cameron Kinnie, both vying to distinguish themselves and seize this critical spot in the lineup.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 11 June 2025
Weinstein’s initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywood’s most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
In the 2024 season, Smith emerged as a pivotal weapon in Miami’s offense, setting franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
—Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Competing for the pivotal center position are Carter Miller and Cameron Kinnie, both vying to distinguish themselves and seize this critical spot in the lineup.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Memphis fell in the standings toward the end of the year, and this offseason was already going to be a crucial one.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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Victor Olofsson injected crucial secondary scoring (15 goals in 56 games) at a dirt-cheap $1.075 million rate.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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But thanks to key defensive plays by Panthers like Gustav Forsling and Eetu Luostarinen, Florida kept Edmonton from evening the game until the final moment.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
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One key issue is that many people have diets that lack essential nutrients.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The lads were famously bowled over by an early listen, but the record Wilson poured his time into wasn’t an immediate critical or chart success back at home.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Iranian hackers have also intensified cyberattacks on Israel's critical infrastructure, such as water and energy systems, signaling a growing focus on cyber warfare as a key method of retaliation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is unlikely to be part of Howe’s first-team plans, so a loan or exit may be forthcoming. Likely to leave Sean Longstaff (2026); Isaac Hayden (2026) Howe resurrected Longstaff’s career and his constant running and willingness to do the ugly things were vital.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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South Carolina has typically supported Republicans in federal elections and keeping Graham's seat is vital as 33 of 100 Senate seats are being contested on November 3, 2026.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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