pivotal

[piv-uh-tl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or serving as a pivot.

2. of vital or critical importance.

   a pivotal event.

pivotal

/ ˈpɪvətəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or acting as a pivot

2. of crucial importance

Other Word Forms

• pivotally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pivotal¹

First recorded in 1835–45; pivot + -al ¹

Example Sentences

And Friday's opening session is likely to be pivotal in deciding the eventual winner.

From BBC

Just days before Sunday's pivotal parliamentary elections, Moldovan police said they had confiscated weapons and explosives in raids across the country.

From BBC

Yet it proved a pivotal turning point, as many from that group went on to become world champions in 2003.

From BBC

Sometimes, it takes a player of Bonmati's calibre to make the difference in the pivotal moments - and that is what she did, getting the all-important goal in a knockout stage which was otherwise somewhat muted.

From BBC

A couple of former University of Oregon quarterbacks square off Sunday in a pivotal AFC West matchup.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• central 
• climactic 
• critical 
• crucial 
• decisive 
• essential 
• momentous 
• vital