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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 Limiting screen time and spending as much time as possible free playing at home and outside is also vital. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 1 Sep. 2025 The overall project is seen as a vital step in moving away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025 Both organizations have been less than forthcoming about exactly why these vital resources, supported at all levels of local government, have taken so long to move from plans to patients. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Such communications also offer vital details when people die or are injured during interactions with police officers — allowing journalists to fact-check statements made by department leaders in their ensuing news releases. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Fischl referenced the great Greek athletic nudes, such as Myron’s discus thrower, to achieve not just the portrayal of continuous energetic motion but also the suggestion that great human athleticism is about a stopping point, calculated containment.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Originally bred as cattle herders in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are energetic and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jackson is very active with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 863 at the Lebanon Municipal Airport doing all types of volunteer work, such as ramp safety operations.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Mitchell, Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Smith are the running backs on the active roster as of Tuesday, which also saw the New Orleans Saints release running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2020.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Gadsden State Community College and Chick-fil-A have teamed up to offer a training program that will equip participants with essential skills needed to land jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
    Staff reports, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Replant Correct planting depth is essential when planting peony divisions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This mix of impulsivity and ambivalence highlights why a safe environment – without access to firearms or other lethal methods – can be the difference between life and death for someone in crisis.
    Emmy Betz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Executions are on hold in Idaho as the state prison system remodels its execution chamber in the transition from lethal injection to a firing squad as the lead method.
    Kevin Fixler September 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That tactic was crucial to her victory in last year’s final, and Pegula’s coaching team have been encouraging her to use more variety herself.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Also, a crucial partner in battling against Russia and China.
    Jamie McIntyre, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cooler air will be sweeping in behind this front, as another round of refreshing, fall-like air moves from the Midwest into the Northeast for the second half of the weekend.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturday's opponent, Arkansas State, promises to have a much more dynamic attack with quarterback Jaylen Raynor and plenty of speed at the skill positions.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Argentina squad has continued to get younger and more dynamic.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While in La Latina, its winding medieval lanes overflow with lively tapas bars and local chatter.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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