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 Now that President-elect Donald Trump has announced most of his major cabinet picks, his transition team is filling out roles that will be crucial to carrying out his ambitious immigration crackdown and other policies across the country. —

Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024 That reference number is crucial in seeking the reward. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Color temperature affects how light looks and feels, and the distinction between the temperatures is crucial in setting the mood and enhancing aesthetics. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024 In contrast, for the center of the film—the crucial year 1968—Schrader uses a wide-screen frame and an alluring peach-and-mint palette that evokes classic Hollywood melodramas. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crucial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial

Adjective

For him, this is the key divide in American politics.

Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix.

ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024