1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
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3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
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4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
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5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vital
There are fees imposed for the use of other vital shipping lanes, including the Suez and Panama Canals, where fees can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the largest cargo vessels.
—
Joanne Stocker,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
The ceasefire prompted a surge in crude shipments through the vital waterway where traffic had largely ground to a halt during the conflict, sending oil prices sharply lower.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
But exploring it is vital, NASA says, in order to not just unlock the secrets of the moon, but to discover how human interplanetary travel could be possible.
—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Powerful allies, vital for global influence and technological collaboration, are often unfairly criticized, jeopardizing crucial trade and security ties.
—
Michael P. Dempsey,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for vital
Joanne Stocker,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
The ceasefire prompted a surge in crude shipments through the vital waterway where traffic had largely ground to a halt during the conflict, sending oil prices sharply lower.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
But exploring it is vital, NASA says, in order to not just unlock the secrets of the moon, but to discover how human interplanetary travel could be possible.
—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Powerful allies, vital for global influence and technological collaboration, are often unfairly criticized, jeopardizing crucial trade and security ties.
—
Michael P. Dempsey,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
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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.
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Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
Adjective
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People should not approach wild animals that appear sick, injured, or dead, including nocturnal species such as bats and raccoons that are active during daylight hours.
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The union has been in active negotiations with the state to draft a new contract, but the two parties had not reached a deal as of Tuesday, when the existing agreement is scheduled to expire.
Adjective
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Those approvals allow crews to begin building essential site infrastructure before full production activities start.
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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
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The weather service also warns not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
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At worst, the consequences can be lethal for mothers or babies.
Adjective
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The winner of tonight's crucial Australia-Paraguay match will move on to the round of 32.
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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
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Ahead, everything to know about this beachside favorite, along with refreshing ways to style this timeless look all summer long.
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The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
Adjective
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Unlike dynamic stretching, static stretching holds muscles in a lengthened position for an extended period.
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However, beginning in the late 1950s, advancing spacecraft technology allowed scientists to study planets, moons and smaller bodies up close, revealing worlds far more diverse and dynamic than could be seen through telescopes alone.
Adjective
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Similarly, the lively Doyles Irish Pub serves classic pub fare such as wings, a Reuben sandwich, and fish and chips.
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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 3 Jul. 2026.
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