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

MMeasuring both provides a crucial cross-check. —Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

Register reporter Nick El Hajj set out to look into the crucial role Iowa played during World War II, growing food that fed the troops and producing uranium for nuclear weapons. —Kim Norvell, Des Moines Register, 29 Jan. 2026

Both elements are crucial for an expert couch-napper like me, who appreciates being snuggled without the risk of overheating. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

Preventing electrical accidents is crucial. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026