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
• pivotal
• essential
• fundamental
• necessary
• basic
• decisive
• elementary
• life-or-death
• instrumental
• life-and-death
• urgent
• requisite
• 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

However, the forward has proved a crucial player under head coach Hansi Flick this season and has emerged as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Importantly, a dog’s wants and needs do not always align with what their owners expect, and this is a crucial point in regards to animal welfare. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025

The money is used for crucial local services including schools, streets, roads, police and firefighting. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

The platform automatically ingests, standardizes and visualizes crucial data, providing brand partners with immediate, self-service access to their performance metrics across Famous Footwear’s extensive footprint. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 May 2025