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

Banowsky’s documentary arrives at a pivotal moment in the fight to preserve honest journalism.

From Salon

I was immersed in — or, more accurately, surrounded by — scenes from one of my favorite movies, a pivotal blockbuster whose artistic influence extends from David Lynch to Elton John to Salman Rushdie.

From Los Angeles Times

I was really curious, was there was ever a pivotal moment in your career that really impacted the way that you approach music or approach creative pursuits?

From Los Angeles Times

As Timothy, an old acting school buddy of the Clooney-esque Kelly, Crudup brings a mercurial intensity to a pivotal early scene that begins with warmth and ends in rage.

From Los Angeles Times

Framing a return from that wing also proved pivotal in the second set.

From BBC

Related Words

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