Synonyms for

Pivotal

Verb / ˈpɪvʌtʌl / Another word for pivotal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

Synonyms & similar words

polar critical crucial decisive essential fundamental important key paramount significant vital central consequential far-reaching momentous polar primary principal radical substantial

Synonyms by register

Formal

crucial essential fundamental key central

Informal

key main big important

Literary

hinge linchpin

Antonyms

unimportant insignificant minor secondary peripheral trivial

Common collocations

  • pivotal moment
  • pivotal role
  • pivotal point
  • pivotal decision
  • pivotal figure
  • pivotal change
  • pivotal issue

Word family

noun pivot
verb pivot
adjective pivotal
adverb pivotally

Usage note

Pivotal is often used to describe something that is extremely important or significant because it is the central point around which other things turn or depend. It is generally used in formal and semi-formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The pivot of the seesaw was broken.
  2. The scientists' discoveries were pivotal in the development of the new drug.
  3. The climax of the story was the pivotal moment that changed everything.
  4. The pivotal issue in the election was healthcare reform.
  5. The coach's decision to put in the rookie player turned out to be pivotal for the team's success.

Quotes

  • The pivotal point of life is always the moment you begin to think for yourself. - James Baldwin
  • The pivotal moments in your life are always made up of smaller pieces. - Charlena Jackson
  • The pivotal ingredient is always the passion that is communicated to the public. - Ralph Lauren

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