1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
after the long, dreary winter, we welcomed the vital rays of the summer sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Creating a dynamic and an atmosphere where people feel comfortable speaking, saying what’s on their minds, is the most vital part of a writers’ room.
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
Sales of second-hand devices grew 4% year-on-year in 1Q26, building momentum at the start of a potentially vital year for the sector.
—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Under the 14-point MOU, both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
—
Justina Lee,sam Meredith,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
In Europe, unlike in the U.S., public money remains vital to the creation of nonfiction content, but budgets have tightened.
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vital
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
Sales of second-hand devices grew 4% year-on-year in 1Q26, building momentum at the start of a potentially vital year for the sector.
—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Under the 14-point MOU, both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
—
Justina Lee,sam Meredith,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
In Europe, unlike in the U.S., public money remains vital to the creation of nonfiction content, but budgets have tightened.
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
-
Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
-
Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
Adjective
-
An appearance by Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico sparked the investigation, given his active primary campaign.
-
Be sure to stay active and exercise.
Adjective
-
Those approvals allow crews to begin building essential site infrastructure before full production activities start.
-
Therefore, building mental endurance is essential to staving off decision fatigue and reducing the judgment errors that tend to surface when a leader's cognitive reserves run low.
Adjective
-
Haiti later won a true goal thanks to a lethal shot from Isidor.
-
Now 34 years later, Florida is set to execute Spencer by lethal injection on Thursday, June 25.
Adjective
-
The winner of tonight's crucial Australia-Paraguay match will move on to the round of 32.
-
Meanwhile, the country’s crucial oil industry needs billions of dollars of investment to get anywhere close to the halcyon days of the late 1990s when production was at its height.
Adjective
-
The burst of tart lime pairs perfectly with the kick of jalapeño flavor for a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with chips and salsa.
-
Our choice today is coconut hazelnut, a refreshing change of pace.
Adjective
-
The dynamic Sun in your 9th House of Exploration quincunxes powerful Pluto in your 4th House of Home, so growth calls while roots demand attention.
-
That dynamic helps explain why date nights remain a staple of practical relationship advice.
Adjective
-
Similarly, the lively Doyles Irish Pub serves classic pub fare such as wings, a Reuben sandwich, and fish and chips.
-
In the evening, Banff’s newest late-night spot, The Dusty Boot Saloon, channels cowboy country motifs through nostalgic saloon energy and a lively dance hall, stage for live music and hidden lounges.
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
