Synonyms of crucial

crucial

adjective

ˈkrü-shəl 

as in key

of the greatest possible importance

water is crucial to our survival

Synonyms & Similar Words

• key
• critical
• vital
• essential
• pivotal
• fundamental
• necessary
• basic
• decisive
• elementary
• instrumental
• urgent
• requisite
• life-and-death
• indispensable
• pressing
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• unimportant
• insignificant
• trivial
• inconsequential

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

Recent Examples of crucial

May argues that even in a digital future, human expertise remains crucial for authenticity and quality. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

In Kansas, the shift — particularly in the suburbs — comes at a crucial time for Democrats ahead of the 2026 elections, where voters will elect a series of high-profile positions, including the state’s next governor. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025

Kids may project onto a bot and converse with it, missing out on something crucial in the process. —Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025

Being a proficient reader by the end of the third grade is a significant milestone, marked by many experts as a crucial point in a child’s life where not reaching that benchmark could lead to them struggling later in life. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025