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
The arrival of the drone shows marks what could eventually be a pivotal change in SeaWorld’s long history of nightly fireworks, which have become increasingly controversial as environmentalists worry about their effect on the environment and surrounding wildlife.
—
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Navarro, who leads MLS in goal contributions (11), was a massive part of that run and has become a pivotal part of this one.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Studying in West Germany in 1958, Baselitz had a pivotal encounter with Abstract Expressionism when the Museum of Modern Art’s survey of Jackson Pollock traveled to the Hochschule.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are tied at two games apiece, with a pivotal Game 5 looming on Wednesday.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Navarro, who leads MLS in goal contributions (11), was a massive part of that run and has become a pivotal part of this one.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Studying in West Germany in 1958, Baselitz had a pivotal encounter with Abstract Expressionism when the Museum of Modern Art’s survey of Jackson Pollock traveled to the Hochschule.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are tied at two games apiece, with a pivotal Game 5 looming on Wednesday.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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The information provided is crucial in identifying whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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Jackie Vece, head of the residents’ association and chief organizer of their campaign, said capping rent increases is crucial.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Ryan Vilade and Jonathan Aranda provided the key hits, Steven Matz worked seven strong innings, and Ian Seymour and Bryan Baker teamed up for the final six outs.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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The twins, who are both committed to Elgin Community College, have been key regulars in the lineup this season for the Storm (13-5, 6-0).—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Dozens of nations push for reopening of strait Dozens of nations repeated calls to open the critical waterway in a joint statement led by Bahrain.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Those increases are being driven in part by global supply concerns, including ongoing tensions involving Iran and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil shipments.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Local leadership is vital in shaping successful initiatives as external capital and technical expertise can support development, but local stakeholders drive execution and sustainability.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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Back at the Elias-Clarke building, Runway’s intrepid leader Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and her deputy Nigel (Stanley Tucci) fight to keep their once-vital, but now diminishing, print product alive in the digital age.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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