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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vital are cardinal, essential, and fundamental. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

When might cardinal be a better fit than vital?

In some situations, the words cardinal and vital are roughly equivalent. However, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When can essential be used instead of vital?

While the synonyms essential and vital are close in meaning, 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

Where would fundamental be a reasonable alternative to vital?

While in some cases nearly identical to vital, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

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 vital The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025 Her intelligence is that vital and exacting, her wit that mischievous, her concerns – feminism, environmentalism, dystopian societies – that urgently relevant. Literary Hub, 10 July 2025 First, this operation illustrates the vital importance of having strong inspectors general (IG) protecting tax dollars. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Along with talking to a grief counselor or therapist, seeking out a support system can be vital. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • That coherence is a physical, energetic property in one’s mind-body system.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Both Explorer’s Lounge and the Pinnacle Bar are on the quieter side, while Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard have live music and a more energetic vibe, particularly later in the evening.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • These insects have been active since the end of June.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 1 July 2025
  • The new partnership will allow the companies to scale production of those yarns in China, which remains an essential production hub for much of the fashion sector despite higher tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Police said less lethal munitions were deployed by federal authorities.
    Jenna Sundel Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • The industrial and technological revolutions, also beginning in the 18th century, have made war vastly more destructive and lethal.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a crucial leadership change last September, Starbucks appointed Molly Liu, former chief of Starbucks China's digital division, to head its business in the country.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2025
  • These crucial prohibitions, the EU-3 believed, would block Iranian nuclear-weapons ambitions while affording Tehran the benefit of civil uses of atomic energy for electrical power, medical research, and the like.
    John R. Bolton, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the heat of summer kicks in, few things are more refreshing than biting into a slice of fresh fruit, like watermelon and pineapple.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025
  • Switch The Citrus In Your Mojito Recipe Substitute the traditional lime for lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, or a combination of citrus juices for a sweeter variation that’s just as refreshing as the original.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • In Marvel’s Ironheart, the world of technology collides with the supernatural, creating a fresh, dynamic chapter in the MCU.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Amazon $399 Bose $400 Best Buy The Bose Soundlink Mac (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the ultimate modern boombox, thanks to huge dynamic drivers, massive bass, and an awesome ropelike carrying handle.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In February, a lively and well-attended protest march took over the streets of downtown McAllen; a news site compared it to a celebration after a high-school-football victory.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 7 July 2025
  • Despite multiple comeback attempts, Miami dropped the series opener to the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-5, in front of a lively crowd of 16,715 fans—many of whom stayed for the postgame fireworks.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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