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 Ntamack missed the tournament-opening 34-32 loss to New Zealand but was instrumental in a dominant attacking performance from the French in the second half. — ABC News, 11 July 2026 These are invaluable members of our internship network who are instrumental in opening doors for new journalists. — Scott Lebar, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026 Dwayne Johnson was instrumental to the development of the live-action film and was a producer, but was there ever a conversation about having someone other than him to play Maui? — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 July 2026 Her testimony and evidence were seen as instrumental in getting the judge to dismiss all of Harry’s 14 claims against the newspaper. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

The money will finance dozens of routine but essential items, such as a new roof, a 24-seat school bus and outrigger canoes that will be used by military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
An amazing summer essential and handbag must-have, this refreshing body mist smells like sunshine in a bottle.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Meantime, earnings forecasts have soared, largely but not exclusively on the back of the AI-equipment bottleneck, providing plenty of fundamental cover for the tape.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026
All of these detention facilities have in common a fundamental disregard for our health and well-being.

— Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Permits and city cooperation are necessary when large-scale private events require the use of public space (like street closures) or city services (more cops).

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 10 July 2026
Cooper encourages legislators to examine drivers of rising healthcare costs that made things like the ACA subsidies necessary in the first place.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Attacks on ships — and the threat of them — virtually halted traffic in the waterway during the conflict, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and raising prices on many basic goods, including food, far beyond the region.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
If your bathroom has a basic flush mount, don’t be afraid to replace it with something more eye-catching, like a sputnik chandelier or a lantern pendant.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.

— Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

Amid the crisis, electric tricycles have become indispensable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Whether managing high-stakes healthcare logistics, handling sudden spikes in online shopping or rerouting shipments around geopolitical disruptions, these companies have proven indispensable to global commerce—hence the valuation.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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