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

The invisible legacy In the end, Sara is left with one last crucial gift from her mentor, Massimiliano—a CD with an enigmatic message. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025

Crucially, the flagship brand Moncler saw sales rise only 2% and its crucial Europe, Middle East, and Africa region fell by 1%. —Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 3 June 2025

Dembele’s role was crucial in the 1-0 victories away to Liverpool and Arsenal in the knockout stages, where the French side got past another Premier League team in Villa. —The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025

Time is crucial for Broadcom to enhance their profit margins. —ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025