vital

adjective

vi·tal ˈvī-tᵊl

Synonyms of vital next

: of the utmost importance

a vital clue

vital resources

: 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

: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life

vital organs

blood and other vital fluids

: existing as a manifestation of life

: full of life and vigor : animated

: characteristic of life or living beings

: recording data relating to lives

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

vitally

ˈvī-tᵊl-ē

adverb

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

Example Sentences

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 So Jude and Jamie’s rapport and camaraderie was vital. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2023 With enough twists and turns to keep viewers on their toes, this film feels vital, essential, and of-the-moment, riding a razor's edge until the last surprisingly satisfying scene. —

Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2023 That's why finding a bisexual-friendly dating app where your authentic self is both welcome and celebrated is so vital. —

Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 19 Apr. 2023 Pride coach Seb Hines sees the Challenge Cup as a chance to rotate the team but knows that winning is still vital. —

Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2023 Yes, these retirees had time on their hands and wanted to feel more vital, but instead of having young people come entertain and boost them, the idea was to send them out to help young people. —

Danna Harman, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Apr. 2023 Firefighters are tasked with a vital role in our communities, risking their lives to save others and prevent homes and businesses from going down in flames. —

Bryce Chinault, National Review, 15 Apr. 2023 Vrabel played for the Patriots from 2001 through 2008.LEE, Matthew J. A fierce front-seven defender — and part-time tight end — Vrabel was a vital cog on New England’s first three Super Bowl-winning teams. —

Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Apr. 2023 Full sun is also vital for strong tulip growth. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vital.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.