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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vital are cardinal, essential, and fundamental. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

When might cardinal be a better fit than vital?

In some situations, the words cardinal and vital are roughly equivalent. However, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When can essential be used instead of vital?

While the synonyms essential and vital are close in meaning, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

Where would fundamental be a reasonable alternative to vital?

While in some cases nearly identical to vital, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vital However, recognizing the underlying causes of this creative burnout and deploying effective strategies to rejuvenate the innovative spirit are vital for maintaining success and staying competitive. Igor Fedulov, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Thank you to the players, coaches, and staff who played such a vital role in creating those special moments and memories. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Northrop Grumman is one of the contractors working on NASA’s Artemis program of moon exploration, which sees Gateway as a vital piece of infrastructure. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Given their role in carbon storage, protecting and understanding mycorrhizal fungi—long overlooked in conservation frameworks—is vital for addressing climate change. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • The energy rises as the wrestler and the rapper take energetic strides and bounce to the ring.
    Shaheem Reid, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The rest of the evening was largely an energetic affair that oscillated between sincere appreciation and light humor, the latter of which began for co-host and winner Gold early in the event.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The 1880s were the most active decade for U.S. hurricane landfalls on record.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding and regulating the trade in shark and ray meat is no longer optional but essential.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Garden gloves are essential for protecting our hands in the garden.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But South Carolina lawmakers saw it as the quickest and most humane way to kill an inmate, especially with the uncertainty in obtaining lethal injection drugs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Given the choice of lethal injection, electrocution and firing squad, Weiss said Mahdi chose the lesser of three evils.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • All of these activities, at home and abroad, have shaped health policy in crucial ways that in turn protect people’s health.
    Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The entire experience felt like a refreshing escape from the modern designs and aesthetics most grocery chains have adopted.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Tossing cucumber slices with other vegetables for a refreshing summer salad?
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • His mother, her mental health, brothers, that family dynamic.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His crossword is not themed, but the entry is lively nonetheless.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Located right on the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s liveliest piazza built atop the ancient Roman Capitolium, this museum gives new life to a majestic 17th-century palazzo.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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