as in essential
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Recent Examples of instrumental
Michael was instrumental in helping the band secure its first full-length record deal with Motown Records after being scouted by Bobby Taylor.
—
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Beyond her direct work with youth, Sarver plays an instrumental role in shaping the culture of the club.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Gert-Jan, an art restitution lawyer instrumental in returning the Scythian gold to Ukraine, sits on numerous cultural boards; while Corinne comes from an art-loving family, a member of whom co-founded the Tefaf Maastricht Art Fair.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
His musical performances were instrumental in breaking racial barriers.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Beyond her direct work with youth, Sarver plays an instrumental role in shaping the culture of the club.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Gert-Jan, an art restitution lawyer instrumental in returning the Scythian gold to Ukraine, sits on numerous cultural boards; while Corinne comes from an art-loving family, a member of whom co-founded the Tefaf Maastricht Art Fair.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
His musical performances were instrumental in breaking racial barriers.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
Adjective
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Also, from the music aspect, timeliness is just an essential part of music.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In the historical records of Central Florida, there are names that come up again and again — people whose contributions were essential to the changes that shaped the greater Orlando area for generations to come.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The fundamental constants that determine the masses, charges, and interaction strengths between particles are universal as well.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
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And so there's a fundamental lack of opportunity to learn the soft skills that a white collar employee needs.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Manager Dave Roberts continues to marvel at the veteran of 17 seasons who is willing to make whatever change is necessary to remain a productive hitter.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
On balance, confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions was necessary.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Their first period didn’t feature the requisite amount of forechecking, Hall said.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
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And as should be requisite in this field, a dense base of shea butter and humectants like hyaluronic acid give your skin immediate replenishment and firmness.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
After years of seeing Spirit lure leisure travellers, the major airlines, led by Delta, responded with humble basic-economy fares of their own.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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Why economists cared so much The basic facts of the late 1990s and early 2000s are that the United States was running large deficits.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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The law also creates a discipline process for preschool and elementary students where there was none before.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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Yet many of its students aren’t demonstrating even an elementary grasp of free speech.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Walberg has become the indispensable glue that elevated the series from trash TV to a therapeutic exercise for both the cast and audience.—
Todd Gilchrist,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
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The 12,000-square-foot prime real estate indicates just how indispensable fashion is to art as well as to The Met in terms of attracting visitors and donors through the Met Gala.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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