Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crucial contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and critical are common synonyms of crucial. While all three words mean "of uncertain outcome," crucial suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a future course or direction.

a crucial vote

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to crucial?

While the synonyms acute and crucial are close in meaning, acute stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point.

an acute housing shortage

How are the words critical and acute related as synonyms of crucial?

Critical adds to acute implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome.

the war has entered a critical phase

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 crucial As episode three picks up in the aftermath, this expansion of Dina’s role begins to quietly reshape the story, positioning the character as a crucial anchor for Ellie’s journey moving forward and hinting at more deviations to come. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 The tragedy happened just days before Canada’s crucial federal election on Monday, raising fresh questions about public safety. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025 With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial. Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 When the battles are this close, being in the right place at the right time is crucial. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crucial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
  • While the island’s role in the U.S.’s national and international security remains important, its vast mineral wealth – resources critical to modern industries where China holds near-monopoly power – has become a key driver of U.S. interest.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Increasingly, California has become a global leader in reducing the carbon emissions that fuel climate change, and zero-emission vehicles are a key part of those climate policies.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Easy Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant-making nonprofit committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by addressing critical needs including mental health care, job training, placement, and family support services.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • The health of the nation is at stake; the struggle to understand what goes on in Kennedy's head is vital.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Florida’s 2,400-square-mile Everglades wetland is a water, wildlife and fisheries reserve unrivaled on the North American continent, and for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, saving the ecosystem is vital to the future of the state.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 May 2025
  • This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crucial

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