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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 One, perhaps, that was capable of hacking vital infrastructure or persuading humans to act in its interests? Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Aug. 2025 Michigan Democrats blasted the budget as one that would cut vital services. Paul Egan, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital healthcare and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for re-issuing every American a new Social Security Number at great cost. Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2025 The best managers know starting pitching is vital to postseason success, and the Blue Jays have a chance to make a deep run this year. Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • The resulting text has an energetic momentum and an almost cinematic quality.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
  • While extroverts often perform best in collaborative, energetic spaces, introverts frequently do their most thoughtful work in quieter, less stimulating settings.
    Jennifer Kamara, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • In that month, active condo listings climbed to their highest level in a decade, and homes took longer to sell than in any May since 2015.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, even without children, estate planning is essential.
    Jessi Chad, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
  • This skillset is essential for strategic vision, market and competitive analysis and understanding how all the dynamic pieces and parts of your business can and should come together to thrive.
    Dr. Eric George, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The true key to the film’s success is Ronan herself, who perfectly balances deadly precision with emotional vulnerability—childlike in curiosity but lethal in execution.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Research from the Max Planck Society reveals a crucial difference between empathy and compassion.
    Sahar Andrade, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • This is a crucial time in terms of preparing for fantasy football domination.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Terra looks exactly as depicted on the website which was refreshing, no surprises!
    Melissa Maria, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Cucumber water, made by infusing fresh cucumber slices in water, can be a refreshing way to meet your hydration needs.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Porter defended the Park Service response to the fire and blamed its expansion on dynamic and extreme weather conditions.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • In their place, dynamic, collaborative and customized approaches must emerge.
    Behzad Mahdavi, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From intimate evenings at home to lively dinner parties, Wine Chips make every sip more memorable.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Stay at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, in walking distance to the Alamo and a few minutes drive to the Pearl District, a lively shopping and dining hub.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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