CRUCIAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crucial

adjective

ˈkrü-shəl

Definition of crucial next

as in key

of the greatest possible importance water is crucial to our survival

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of crucial Cast recordings are a crucial part of supporting a musical’s life, during its initial run on or off-Broadway, as well as far beyond that. —

Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025 The state gets very little rain from May through September, so late fall and winter are crucial to fill reservoirs and to build up the snowpack to provide water. —

CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025 While the curriculum mainly focuses on core subjects like history, math, science, and language arts, education also plays a crucial role in developing youth’s emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and many others. —

William Jones, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 The two guitarists’ distinct approaches to their instruments are a crucial ingredient in Horsegirl’s sound. —

Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crucial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial

Adjective

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that this rule has been in development for a long time with key shareholders.

Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2025
This backlash underscores a key takeaway for marketers and business leaders: initiatives that fail to deliver meaningful results risk alienating their audiences.

Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025