INSTRUMENTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

instrumental

adjective

Definition of instrumental

as in essential

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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 The group’s history began in the Mexican town of El Recodo, Sinaloa, as an instrumental wind band, playing only traditional melodies from the region. — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 His expertise and oversight proved instrumental in creating a manufacturing operation capable of meeting the brand’s exacting standards. — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 Bissouma played an instrumental role in the 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the final, playing the full 90 minutes, winning seven duels and four tackles. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Mozee has been instrumental in recruiting top players to Lincoln, and rose from senior football assistant to assistant head coach in two years. — Pj Green september 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

Ohanian said the debate around AI should focus on substantive risks rather than issues that can be used to score political points, arguing that an informed public is essential to navigating the technology.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Refillable deodorant, once a niche pick from small sustainability brands, is now attracting the biggest names in personal care and reshaping how millions of people shop for a daily essential.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Other research points to fundamental flaws of SAT and ACT testing, including that students from higher-income families tend to have higher SAT scores.

— Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
The drilling partnership therefore addresses a fundamental part of the deployment model.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Harrow New York may be vulnerable to a similar fate, but perhaps this sort of gamble is a necessary evil to ensure Harrow’s continuity, in one form or another.

— Ashley Baker, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
Delays are frustrating but necessary Because lightning can happen before or after a thunderstorm is overhead, rain is a poor indicator of lightning danger.

— Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

The pieces themselves are quite powerful, involving bits and bobs of righteous fury and vigilante justice, but they’re rarely strung together with the requisite rhythm.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026
Those navigating the market without the requisite knowledge or information are susceptible to potential outlier losses.

— David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

That’s one of the basic rules outlined in the New York Times Crossword submission guidelines and a convention followed by just about every major crossword outlet.

— New York Times, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Residents are dealing with rising costs while still asking for basic improvements to roads, lighting, flooding and traffic safety.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Allow me, before dealing with twentieth-century science, to dwell upon one more elementary fact.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
And, in New York City, the nation’s largest school district recently rolled out a new policy restricting screen time for elementary and middle school students, along with the use of artificial intelligence.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of elementary

Browse Nearby Words

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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