Need another word for Pivotal? Use these synonyms of Pivotal from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
crucial
decisive
critical
key
central
vital
essential
important
significant
influential
instrumental
determining
fateful
climactic
consequential
momentous
portentous
decisive
landmark
turning
cardinal
salient
pivotal
germinal
seminal
formative
foundational
fundamental
primary
principal
chief
main
major
capital
paramount
supreme
dominant
ruling
reigning
regnant
controlling
governing
dictating
directing
guiding
shaping
determining
decisive
conclusive
definitive
determinative
judgmental
evaluative
assessable
estimable
measurable
calculable
quantifiable
discernible
perceivable
appreciable
noticeable
palpable
tangible
evident
manifest
obvious
apparent
clear
distinct
unmistakable
undeniable
incontrovertible
irrefutable
indisputable
incontestable
unarguable
Meaning of Pivotal
The primary meaning of "pivotal" refers to something that is extremely important or influential in a particular situation or process, often having a significant impact on the outcome.
Definitions
- Of or relating to a pivot, a person or thing that plays a central or essential role in a situation or process
- * Extremely important or influential in a particular situation or process, often having a significant impact on the outcome
Etymology of Pivotal
The word "pivotal" has its roots in the Latin word "pivota," meaning "hinge" or "pivot"
Historically, the term "pivotal" was first used in the 17th century to describe a turning point or a central point around which something rotates or swings
Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including its current usage to describe something that is crucial or decisive in a particular context
Example Uses
- The company's decision to invest in renewable energy was a pivotal moment in its history
- * The discovery of the new species was a pivotal finding that shed new light on the field of biology
- * The election was a pivotal event that marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
insignificant
unimportant
minor
trivial
inconsequential
negligible
irrelevant
nonessential
dispensable
unnecessary
surplus
redundant
excessive
peripheral
marginal
secondary
subordinate
inferior
lesser
slight
faint
obscure
imperceptible
inappreciable
intangible
inconspicuous
unnoticeable
unremarkable
unexceptional
ordinary
mundane
routine
usual
customary
expected
predictable
uneventful
undramatic
unexciting
dull
flat
bland
uninspiring
unimpressive
forgettable