pivotal
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Middleton entered the political fray at a pivotal moment, just as fractures in the Texas Republican Party were beginning to deepen.
From Salon • May 23, 2026
Porter was a pivotal figure in contemporary Los Angeles jazz, beginning with his studies under legendary educator Reggie Andrews in the Multi-School Jazz Band in Watts.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Kevin Warsh is becoming Federal Reserve chair at a pivotal moment for the U.S. economy — forcing him to be something other than the disruptor he hoped to be.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
CBS’s cancellation of the show signaled a pivotal moment in the history of a format that once helped set the tone of the national conversation, one setup and punchline at a time.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
No physical move in my life has been more pivotal or profound in its repercussions.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing pivotal
ASVAB Word Knowledge
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!