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instrumental

adjective

Definition of instrumentalnext
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 Quebec duo’s face-concealing masks, geometrical hats and polka-dot fashion schemes might scream novelty, but its virtuosic, largely instrumental fare is the genuine article. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 Brooks was instrumental in redeveloping the neighborhood into a suburban-like enclave for working- and middle-class Black Americans. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026 His work was instrumental in the development of modern cellular communications technology. — IEEE Spectrum, 10 Sep. 2026 Mark Reuss, who was head of product development at the time, was instrumental in leading the engineering team through the transformation. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
  1. essential
  2. fundamental
  3. necessary
  4. requisite
  5. basic
  6. elementary
  7. indispensable
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
  • The anxieties surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias and the fundamental shift in how students learn are valid and require serious, thoughtful attention.
    — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But there’s a fundamental abstraction to the theater that allows plays to get away with things that a movie like Prima Facie, which works so hard to place its action in a tangible world, doesn’t.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of fundamental
Adjective
  • Researchers say additional multiphysics simulations and vehicle-level testing remain necessary.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Republicans needed Democratic support to win the 60 votes necessary to move forward on the bill in the 53-47 Senate.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Those navigating the market without the requisite knowledge or information are susceptible to potential outlier losses.
    — David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Your critique is whether Murphy has the requisite quality to still be playing for Newcastle.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of requisite
Adjective
  • The group said that the mine — an informal site that employs unregulated workers — lacked basic safety and protective measures.
    — Yasir Abdallah, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The onsite role should be limited to basic physical tasks while the technical work is handled remotely.
    — Susan Odle, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The teachers need to be certified in elementary education, fluent in Spanish and certified to teach students who speak other languages, Jackson said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Those numbers are slightly higher than the year before at the middle and elementary levels, but lower at the high school level.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • The person who fills gaps consistently becomes indispensable to the people around them.
    — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As the media landscape has become increasingly decentralized, niche publications, newsletters and independent journalists have become an indispensable part of our outreach efforts.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument
instrumental
instrumentalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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