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

And seabed curtains could divert warm water toward other glaciers, the paper argues, or disrupt the upwelling of nutrients that feed phytoplankton—a crucial food for many other species. —Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025

If all goes well, AST will cross a crucial threshold and receive clearance to operate a constellation up to 248 satellites in size. —PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

Because contemporary phantoms of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex are expertly constructed to entice even the most discerning eye, provenance is crucial. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

Choosing a carry-on that’s large enough to accommodate your packing needs is crucial; without it, your attempts at saving space will likely fall flat. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025