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 The current award is essentially a combination of several older Grammy categories, including fields that once separated solo artists and groups and honored instrumental performances independently. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Fire crews from Raytown and Independence assisted and were instrumental in handling the scene, Nolan said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 Denker is also the chairman of the grand prix and has been instrumental in planning for the race. — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Strong exports over the past few months have been instrumental in supporting Japan’s GDP. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

The interview is essential evidence in the state's case against the 63-year-old Davis.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Regular physical activity, a nutritious diet and not smoking are essential for cardiovascular and overall health generally.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Ultimately, keeping firearms securely locked and unloaded away from kids and unauthorized individuals is a fundamental part of responsible gun ownership.

— Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Russian businesses face fundamental economic challenges as the costly war drags on.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Those ideas say some people are superior to others, and the inequality that exists in the world around us reflects those innate differences, and inequality is a good thing, and a necessary thing, and the only real way to organize social life.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
No religious leanings necessary, this event is centered around inspirational music from professional singers.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Though the operation took place at the workshop of the Crown Jeweller, Garrard & Company, British artisans lacked the requisite skill, prompting the Prince to hire master cutters from Amsterdam’s Royal Coster Diamonds.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Gini, an agronomist who has overseen the planting of some two hundred thousand trees in Parco Nord in the past quarter century, has the tan skin, strong hands, and hearty disposition that are requisite for the job.

— Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
In elementary classrooms, engagement may include collaborative projects involving discussion and problem solving, writing, or small-group lessons.

— Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
The businesses that recognize this opportunity can become indispensable to their industries.

— Simon Corbett, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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