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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for crucial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
  • China’s control of the rare earth sector gives it key leverage in negotiations, with curbs now announced on all but five of the 17 metallic elements.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Lawson-Remer cited the connection between education and clinical practice, and the ability to keep working while learning, as the key factors in making progress in the larger goal of significantly growing the local mental health care workforce.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But during a critical game early in the season, that’s exactly what took place.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Others took note of Jones on that play, and many were critical of the Chiefs star.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Matz Sels made three vital saves to ensure the scoreline was not more emphatic, beyond Nick Woltemade’s penalty.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Our eyes are vital to maintaining independence and quality of life.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For director and producer Robert Eric Wise, the goal of the documentary was to introduce more young people to the work and accomplishments of pivotal Black Fort Worth residents.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Chris Jones’ effort — or lack thereof — on a pivotal late play became a national talking point.
    Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crucial

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