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
While Uzun’s addition will accommodate the severe loss of depth in the Sky roster due to injury, the front office still faces a growing list of needs heading into the Aug. 7 trade deadline and a pivotal offseason.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Horton especially, could be a pivotal part of what Cubs fans and front office members hope will be a deep postseason run.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
The Royals could gain pivotal ground against their AL Central rivals this weekend.
—Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
The project is part of Nakheel’s iconic portfolio of master communities and residential developments that are pivotal to realizing Dubai’s vision.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Horton especially, could be a pivotal part of what Cubs fans and front office members hope will be a deep postseason run.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
The Royals could gain pivotal ground against their AL Central rivals this weekend.
—Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
The project is part of Nakheel’s iconic portfolio of master communities and residential developments that are pivotal to realizing Dubai’s vision.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the politically crucial centrist group shifted back into net positive territory for Trump in July, giving him a +4 approval rating, up from -6 last month.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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Staying on top of harvesting is especially crucial for this herb.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Local school districts are assessing the future stability of key student services, including funding for student achievement and English acquisition, after the U.S. Department of Education paused the release of $6 billion in funding this month.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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More key members of the team tasked with bringing the East Bank development to life have been selected, and a construction timeline is emerging.—
Molly Davis,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Austin city leaders are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reinstate $50 million in funding for flood protection upgrades to critical city utility infrastructure — money that was pulled earlier this year.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
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The blocking feature is a critical one, says Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, a nonprofit organization aiming to make the online world safer for kids and their families.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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From investigative strategies to balancing urgency and accuracy in real time, the conversation will spotlight the vital role political reporters play in shaping public understanding.—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 July 2025
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Natural gas is one of the cleanest-burning energy sources available and has played a vital role in lowering U.S. emissions over the past two decades.—
Albert R. Wynn,
Baltimore Sun,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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