INSTRUMENTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

instrumental

adjective

Definition of instrumental

as in essential

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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 instrumental Under the state constitution, the governor has no formal role in the amendment process, but Pritzker’s political and financial support would be instrumental in convincing voters to approve one. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 Her organizing was instrumental in California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which granted farmworkers the legal right to form unions, hold secret-ballot elections, and bargain collectively with their employers. — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2026 Williams’ second-half surge was instrumental in making the game close after a quiet first half. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Blank spaces were also viewed as instrumental to imperial expansion. — Thomas J Bassett, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

Jason Watson, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of Strategic Reentry Programs, described testing as essential to improving reliability.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
The quest for tickets is the first of several McGuffins in the film that, while fun, bring to life the essential truth that the core of being teenage is the shiny allure of intangible pursuits, those things that promise fame, friends and being cool.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

This setup would help study neutrinos, providing key insights into the aftermath of the Big Bang and broadening our fundamental understanding of the universe.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026
Ondo described programmability and collateral use as fundamental reasons to tokenize an asset.

— Isabella Gao, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Whether congressional authorization is necessary will continue to play out in court.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
The request follows a judge's order to preserve evidence in a lawsuit filed by Pike's attorneys and reflects the secrecy surrounding execution drugs, which states often argue is necessary to protect access to the drugs and the safety of suppliers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

With the mood set, our hosts, Stéphane Bern and Arianne Alcorta, both famous television personalities, kicked off the requisite jovial banter.

— Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026
In Endless Awe & Agony [Pack/Create] At the tender age of 23, the Australian singer-songwriter Daine has already lived a few different musical lives, from teenaged emo pop-rap offerings (now relegated to YouTube) to a requisite hyperpop baddie era.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

Those running for the board have diverse backgrounds and varying ideas, but also near-unanimous agreement that district leaders need to do more to meet the basic needs of students struggling to pursue their higher education goals.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Sure, public schools that can't afford to provide teachers with basic supplies like crayons and where nurses have to keep track of every bandage and packet of acetaminophen are performing surgery that costs $100,000-plus.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Given a candidate for universal operations, this program systematically explores all possibilities to express the 36 elementary functions, numbers and important constants.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
Meaningfully reducing property tax bills for Illinois homeowners and businesses would require the state to take on a much larger share of the cost of elementary and secondary education, likely through the income tax or sales taxes.

— Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

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instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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