as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Throughout Election Day, and in the pivotal days ahead, stay with The New Yorker for live updates from reporters across the country, and follow our live results map once the polls close.
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The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
World stock markets were mixed on Tuesday as investors braced for a week packed with pivotal events, most crucially the U.S. presidential election and a Federal Reserve meeting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Nonprofits play a pivotal role in community coordination, collaborating with government entities and other organizations to create a cohesive support network.
—Tylor Taylor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s political journey began with a pivotal encounter with Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman in Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s presidential nomination.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal 
The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
World stock markets were mixed on Tuesday as investors braced for a week packed with pivotal events, most crucially the U.S. presidential election and a Federal Reserve meeting.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Nonprofits play a pivotal role in community coordination, collaborating with government entities and other organizations to create a cohesive support network.
—Tylor Taylor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s political journey began with a pivotal encounter with Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman in Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s presidential nomination.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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Sleep Aid – Getting adequate rest is crucial for recovery.Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
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The coordination is crucial since the NRAO operates the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, which is home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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As the nation decides its next president, among other positions of power up for grabs on Election Day, one key message will be repeatedly instilled until the election is over.Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
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Tight end Jonnu Smith recently praised Campbell, 38, for continuing to showcase his ability to be a key contributor.Chantz Martin, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Asian Americans in particular have emerged as a critical part of the electorate, now making up about a quarter of the district’s population as its largest minority group.Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
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Trump would go on to win the critical swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania in his landslide victory.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Under the strategic direction of Soleimani, the IRGC’s Quds Force, along with Iraqi Shiite armed groups, began constructing a vital land bridge to transport supplies, weapons, and personnel from Iran and Iraq into Syria.Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
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Upcoming: November 12th – Wild Hope, Wildlife Corridors, and Citizen Science Learn how citizen scientists and experts are working together to identify and protect vital wildlife corridors, and how you can get involved in conservation efforts.Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pivotal
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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