vital

adjective

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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 Given San Antonio’s aggressive, pressing style, Marcina said the energy from the home fans is vital. — Greg Luca, San Antonio Express-News, 29 May 2021 Janey agreed that investments in schools buildings are vital, but added that the processes around choosing which buildings to repair must also be equitable. — BostonGlobe.com, 28 May 2021 The top 2023 targets have been identified, but getting guys on campus will be vital. — Stephen Means, cleveland, 28 May 2021 While the district faces declining enrollment, Ratliff said staff retention is vital. — Samantha Davenport, Anchorage Daily News, 28 May 2021 Brainpower and memory are also exercised in kiosks such as Mayday, Mayday, in which vital information is relayed via radio and visitors need to repeat that data to perform an at-sea rescue. — Dewayne Bevil, orlandosentinel.com, 27 May 2021 Getting access to the prison is vital so Fenster can sign a legal consent form to allow the State Department to keep his family informed, Bryan Fenster said. — Marisa Schultz, Fox News, 27 May 2021 The open letter says the spiking of the Italy report deprived the world of vital public health information as the pandemic was gaining a foothold in Europe. — Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 26 May 2021 The calls spread hope and vital information during the pandemic. — Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2021

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.