as in essential
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Recent Examples of instrumental
The slick, predominantly instrumental music KIFM played clicked with many listeners.
—
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The late Howard Farley was instrumental in making Nome, about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) away, the finish line.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Fitting his divergent cast of sounds into such a little space meant becoming a master of instrumental ambiguity, the type of composer/programmer able to make a lead guitar waveform sound like a harmonica.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026
Thompson was an instrumental piece of one of the greatest dynasties of the modern NBA.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The late Howard Farley was instrumental in making Nome, about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) away, the finish line.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Fitting his divergent cast of sounds into such a little space meant becoming a master of instrumental ambiguity, the type of composer/programmer able to make a lead guitar waveform sound like a harmonica.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026
Thompson was an instrumental piece of one of the greatest dynasties of the modern NBA.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
Adjective
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The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Leucovorin is a synthetic metabolite of folate, which is essential for healthy pregnancies and is recommended for women before conception and during pregnancy.—
MATTHEW PERRONE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Williams’ priorities are to lower the cost of living, ensure access to excellent county services and protect fundamental rights in court meetings.—
Rachel Royster
Updated March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
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Feldman added that the fundamental path for Target looks healthy going forward.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Judge Paul Friedman appeared skeptical of government claims that the policy is necessary for national security.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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The skill became especially necessary after Minnesota renovated its roster just before training camp, replacing Towns in the starting lineup with Julius Randle.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There is a small kids menu with the requisite chicken fingers and pasta.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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Then a pair of requisite wins against the tanking Brooklyn Nets.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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When first delivered, Valkyrie could walk on flat surfaces and perform basic actions, such as grasping and manipulating objects.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The event also includes an art show by Julian elementary schoolchildren and crafts made by club members.—
Martina Schimitschek,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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That plan would also require redrawing elementary and junior high boundaries.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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International humanitarian law, including provisions of the Geneva Conventions, prohibit targeting civilian infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the population, including drinking water facilities.—
Annika Hammerschlag,
Fortune,
8 Mar. 2026
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International humanitarian law, including provisions of the Geneva Convention, prohibit targeting civilian infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the population, including drinking water facilities.—
Annika Hammerschlag,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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