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

These factors could play a crucial role in finding a resolution to the shutdown. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025

This step is crucial to shift from fusion research to reality. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025

This holiday period will be a crucial test of whether recent merchandising changes online and on the selling floors are resonating with customers and whether Kohl’s can recapture market share that over the years has primarily been lost to Amazon, Walmart, Target, TJMaxx and other off-pricers. —David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

The company also reignited its Raptor engines in space to attempt an orbital burn – a crucial maneuver to one day bring a vehicle back to the ground. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025