Synonyms of crucial

crucial

adjective

ˈkrü-shəl 

as in key

of the greatest possible importance

water is crucial to our survival

Synonyms & Similar Words

• key
• critical
• vital
• pivotal
• essential
• fundamental
• necessary
• basic
• decisive
• elementary
• life-or-death
• instrumental
• life-and-death
• urgent
• requisite
• indispensable
• pressing
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• unimportant
• insignificant
• trivial
• inconsequential

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crucial contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and critical are common synonyms of crucial. While all three words mean "of uncertain outcome," crucial suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a future course or direction.

a crucial vote

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to crucial?

While the synonyms acute and crucial are close in meaning, acute stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point.

an acute housing shortage

How are the words critical and acute related as synonyms of crucial?

Critical adds to acute implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome.

the war has entered a critical phase

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of crucial

Carlisle played a crucial role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark law that established quality and safety standards for American whiskey. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

The final crucial variable is the ratio of water to coffee. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

In the game’s most crucial moments, that feeling is often the correct one. —Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025

President Trump held tense talks Wednesday with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders ahead of his crucial Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin on Friday. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025