as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Willard cited as pivotal a 3-pointer from Miguel that sliced a six-point deficit in half after a 9-0 run by Wisconsin early in the second half and a 3-pointer by sophomore shooting guard DeShawn Harris-Smith that ignited an 11-0 burst midway through the period.
—
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
This pivotal period—when all that hydrogen went from one form to another—is known as the epoch of reionization.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025
Properly viewed, Angelou must be understood as a pivotal figure of the anti-rape movement.
—TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
We’re influenced by ‘Daria’ — if you’re born of a certain generation, that’s a pivotal reference, a crucial reference.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pivotal 
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
This pivotal period—when all that hydrogen went from one form to another—is known as the epoch of reionization.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025
Properly viewed, Angelou must be understood as a pivotal figure of the anti-rape movement.
—TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
We’re influenced by ‘Daria’ — if you’re born of a certain generation, that’s a pivotal reference, a crucial reference.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Two of the awards season’s most crucial precursors will arrive this weekend with the Directors and Producers Guild awards.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2025
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Is the alliance not crucial to deterring the Kremlin’s aggression and expansionism?—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Mutual respect and a willingness to compromise are also key.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Middleton, 33, was a key member of the Bucks team that won the NBA Finals in 2021, but the forward has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and largely came off the bench this season.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
31 Jan. 2025
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The wide-ranging effects of the USAID spending freeze spanning different sectors highlight how critical the funds are to the region.—
Aurel Obreja,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Head Start, which provides vital services to the nation's most vulnerable children and families, ran into issues when directors were locked out of the online payment system.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
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Adding to the strain, Moore’s proposal to eliminate charitable deductions threatens nonprofits that provide these vital services.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near pivotal
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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