PIVOTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

pivotal

adjective

ˈpi-və-tᵊl

Definition of pivotal

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance the report was missing a pivotal piece of information

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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.

Recent Examples of pivotal She is credited with having played pivotal roles in Slow Horses, Sweetpea, Apple Cider Vinegar and Heartstopper, and for having a central role in the 2025 deal that saw See-Saw sold to Mediawan. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 In time, Wilfred expanded flowerovlove’s music palette, introducing her to pivotal music like Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Tame Impala’s discography. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 The threat is intensifying at a pivotal moment for Anthropic. — Kate Rooney,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 Now, the actress is set to take on a pivotal role in Denis Villeneuve‘s third entry in the Dune franchise, as the sister to Timothée Chalamet‘s Paul Atreides. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal

Adjective

Rare missile overhaul The suspension system plays a crucial role inside a Minuteman III launch facility.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Diesel, a crucial fuel at the heart of the modern economy, hit an all-time high Friday.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

The offence remains Toronto’s biggest liability, with key bats like Addison Barger done for the year and others struggling into September.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Axel Springer is expanding in the Middle East, joining a growing number of Western publishers with an editorial presence in the region — and testing a key pillar of its editorial beliefs.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

Engineers can develop critical reactor hardware internally while sourcing mature technologies elsewhere.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
The mere possibility of losing its critical space assets in a surprise attack could push the United States to use its forces early or to delegate launch authority in ways that raise the risk of an accident, to avoid the devastating consequences.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Jäger compares the sounds of techno to the noise of Detroit’s industrial machinery—the music that drove the ersatz utopias of the late twentieth century is, in other words, merely a synthetic echo of a far more vital past.

— Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Fertilizer can give a lawn a boost, but knowing when to fertilize your lawn is vital for your grass to gain the full benefit of those vital nutrients.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of vital

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pivotal

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“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pivotal

adjective

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