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

Staying updated on industry advancements is crucial. —Sivakumar Ramakrishnan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

If that’s your situation, taking steps to repair your credit after a divorce is crucial for regaining control of your finances and setting yourself up for the future. —Amarilis Yera, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

This advice is particularly crucial when planning an RV trip. —Joan Pabón, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025

Institutions like Catalan Films and the Catalonia Film Commission play a crucial role in promoting and internationalizing the region’s film production and help find investments and showcase the region’s service companies, contributing to the industry’s overall growth. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025