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 Today, the pair has officially welcomed their Founding 100 into the House, marking a pivotal milestone for a private community intended to challenge how creative industries interact, collaborate and evolve. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Human judgment plays, and must continue to play, a pivotal role in DDoS mitigation. — Carlos Morales, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Such is the strength of feeling that many are drawing parallels with the country’s pivotal May 1968 student revolution. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Danny brought a 360-degree camera into ‘Ink,’ and used it for certain sequences, including the pivotal kidnapping of Muriel Mackay. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal

Adjective

Engineers at an Ontario nuclear power station have reached a major milestone in rebuilding a reactor core, finishing a crucial stage almost a month ahead of schedule.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
But this campaign of attacks deep inside enemy territory has given Ukraine crucial leverage, sparking a major fuel crisis inside Russia.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Trump criticized Israel's decision to attack a key Iranian gas field in the first weeks of the war.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
These tools are primarily used by those who make less than $50,000 according to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, with food and rent being the key reasons people use the service, one case study of food and restaurant workers found.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

This is becoming increasingly critical as water scarcity puts growing pressure on communities and infrastructure, including in traditionally water-secure regions.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
The company says the system is critical to successful missile operations during flight.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of critical

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pivot

pivotal

pivoted

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“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pivotal

adjective

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