A "pivotal point" is a crucial moment or element that determines the direction or outcome. It marks a turning point when choices matter most. Decisions here can shift plans, stories, or events.
If Obama fails to win reelection, let the blame be first laid at the door of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who at a pivotal point threw gasoline on the flames by comparing angry American citizens to Nazis. Camille Paglia
Surely every band wants to be a pivotal point in history. Alex Kapranos
The present moment is the pivotal point of power. Debbie Ford