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 Bajaria was instrumental in the production and rollout of international series like Money Heist and Squid Game — the latter of which became a global phenomenon and boosted subscriptions while also winning the streamer a few Emmys. — Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 Mason added that Litke is among the players who were instrumental in the Panthers’ containment of top running backs such as Lowell’s Tymothy James, Wheeler’s Levi Murray and Calumet’s Bryce Brandon. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Cook has been with David’s Bridal since 2019 and previously was instrumental in large-scale transformations at Continental Airlines and DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 At a time when rock seemed to prize complexity and instrumental display, the Nerves were headed in the opposite direction. — Cary Baker, SPIN, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Beginning in October 2023, the convention center also reportedly implemented additional new bird-safe measures, including closing drapes and blinds overnight and turning off non-essential exterior lights.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

For companies like Target, listening to employees is fundamental.

— Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Earnings growth projected to exceed a 20% year-over-year growth rate again this quarter can hardly be viewed as anything but a positive at least to bolster the fundamental case.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

The current job climate is creating conditions where pushing past your limits may feel necessary for career survival.

— Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Successfully navigating those kinds of conflicts will be key if Sharma is to build up the authority and credibility necessary to get Xbox back on track.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

The Saints and Steelers have previously shown the requisite amount of excitement about playing the league's inaugural France game.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
To judge from the lines of young, very devoted fans snaking around the cemetery, Geese has already built the requisite subculture to thrive longer-term.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

This is the basic technology that revolutionized US oil a decade ago, and made the country by far the world’s top producer.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The basic problem is that extremely similar lawsuits can be brought in courts in different jurisdictions, which aren’t bound by rulings in other jurisdictions.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Telra Institute, a public charter school in Charlotte, also ranked in the top 20 among local elementary and middle schools.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
In Spain, elementary and secondary schoolteachers began an indefinite strike in Madrid last week to demand better pay and working conditions.

— Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

Thus, if the Dallas Cowboys are a must-buy for NFL advertisers, the SEC is similarly indispensable for marketers looking to make a splash in front of a college football audience.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Among scientists, scholars, and citizens, the term has become indispensable and inescapable.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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Style

“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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