1
2
3
4
5
6

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 warmth from the sky, Powe said, is vital in this Gilpin County town that’s perched at 8,500 feet, and where during the fall and winter the sun sits low on the horizon and shades Central City for part of the day. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 The new camera is proving to be a vital diagnostic tool. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 In a cemetery shed, the doctors performed more than three thousand autopsies, which revealed that starvation softened the bones and atrophied vital organs. Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025 Dismantling the Department would put these vital protections and supports at risk. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Barley the energetic pup has spent nearly 300 days waiting for a second chance in Florida.
    Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The energetic Fleck has taken Minnesota to a bowl game in every non-COVID season after his first year and posted a top-10 finish in 2019.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But most deer versus vehicle crashes are the result of breeding season, when bucks are active and increasing their movement.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to the survey, active news consumers tended to be older, left-leaning viewers of cable news.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But fostering creativity, curiosity, and empathy are also essential for organizations to remain competitive and resilient.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • None of the agencies have claimed responsibility for using less-lethal weapons.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But the lethal force has raised several legal questions, as past administrations have relied on law enforcement to interdict drug shipments.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why career development conversations play such a crucial role.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That Episode 5 car ride is arguably the series’ most crucial scene, and the dialogue about the vagrant bird its most poignant.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While both flavors share the same SPF actives and nourishing base, the Mint version delivers a refreshing, tingly finish from peppermint oil and menthol, while the Açai option leans sweeter with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Born in the California beach enclave of Montecito, the Napoleon comes by its refreshing summer vibes honestly, even if it is made with a seemingly unsummery spirit.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While public institutions can sometimes be scientific, encyclopedic, even cold in their faithfulness to detail, private institutions often have more freedom to take an aesthetic and dynamic approach, and have proven their legitimacy, Simode adds.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The texture feels alive—polished yet dynamic—helping the orris read more like modern tailoring rather than powdery nostalgia.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In the evening, the rooftop Art Bar came alive with DJs, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere that catered to generations both young and old.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Both the jitterbug and Lindy Hop (which is often referred to as the granddaddy of the swing era dances) are lively, energetic swing dances that involve quick spins, sharp footwork and pure joy between a pair to a booming live band playing.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!