vital

adjective

vi·tal | \ ˈvī-tᵊl

Definition of vital

1a : of the utmost importance a vital clue vital resources

b : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as

(1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating

(2) : destructive to life : mortal

2a : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluids

b : existing as a manifestation of life

3 : full of life and vigor : animated

4 : characteristic of life or living beings

5 : recording data relating to lives

6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

Other Words from vital Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about vital

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Choose the Right Synonym for vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. conflict is essential in drama fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. fundamental principles of algebra vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cut off from vital supplies cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of vital in a Sentence

These matters are vital to national defense. The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum. your heart, lungs, and other vital organs Exercise keeps her young and vital.

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically, each plan encompasses several key elements to reverse inflammation, insulin resistance and destruction of vital brain structures. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 The best examples of this are when a brand provides a vital utility related to its product. — Rani Molla, Recode, "Voice tech like Alexa and Siri hasn’t found its true calling yet: Inside the voice assistant ‘revolution’," 12 Nov. 2018 Over 67 million women, men, and children are enrolled in Medicaid, in part because the Affordable Care Act allows states to expand the vital health insurance program. — Kaitlin Menza, Redbook, "Everything You Need to Know Before Voting in the Midterm Elections," 10 Oct. 2018 Yet the world has a vital interest in Saudi Arabia’s fate. — The Economist, "How to ensure Muhammad bin Salman’s reforms succeed," 23 June 2018 America’s vital interest in space lost out to special interests in Washington, except, of course, for the senators and congressmen here. — BostonGlobe.com, "Read Trump’s full remarks on immigration, ‘Space Force’," 18 June 2018 For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. — Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "Wendy Williams to Spend a "Significant Time" Hospitalized Due to Graves' Disease," 18 Jan. 2019 Each is missing a vital part of their body – a hand, a leg, an arm. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Yemen's war on body parts sparks cottage industry in prosthetic limbs," 13 Aug. 2018 Still, the dream of making Boston’s Theater District a vital part of the tryout process again lingers among those who recall the glory days and are encouraged by the current burst of momentum. — Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, "A comeback role for Boston theaters?," 14 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vital.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.