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 As the film progresses and the paths of the three protagonists cross in one way or another, the timbres and instrumental approach also begin to blend. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Artist Peter Nagy, whose Nature Morte gallery was instrumental in bringing contemporary Indian art to the attention of international audiences, died on October 13 in New Delhi following a long illness. — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Oct. 2026 Founded in 1992, the group takes its name from Irène Bizot, former director of France’s Réunion des Musées Nationaux, who was instrumental in its establishment. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Argon has reportedly been instrumental in making YouTube’s comment system more efficient. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

This would be particularly relevant in contested environments where drones can observe roads, locate logistics convoys and attack vehicles carrying ammunition, fuel, food and other essential supplies.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Blaze, previously more peripheral to the adventure, became essential.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 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

The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

For Richardson Electronics, the batteries becoming indispensable components of clean power stations are just one part of a diverse product portfolio.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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