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 Sources within the company said Henson has been instrumental as the company moves into its next phase. — Peter White, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 Soft, instrumental music playing on the speakers evokes spa vibes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 When Vermeil soon thereafter retired again, Stiles rejoined the Chiefs … and became instrumental in luring Vermeil to Kansas City. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 Considered one of the best to do the job, Kromer was instrumental in developing an elite offensive line to protect Josh Allen. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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
  • Those materials are essential for making semiconductors, aerospace equipment and many other modern technologies, but China mines and refines an outsized share of the world's critical minerals.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • What to Do on Rest Days Rest days are essential in your workout routine to avoid muscle injury.
    — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • Huang said computing is undergoing its first fundamental technology-platform transition in roughly 60 years, shifting from a traditional model to one centered on artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental
Adjective
  • Tether defends the short delay as a necessary trade-off for responsible responsiveness in a large ecosystem, rejecting claims of a loophole.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Every Fathom, even the most barebones, will have the hardware and sensors necessary to turn on BlueCruise, the company’s software that enables drivers to take their hands off the wheel while on the highway.
    — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Catherine’s story line evokes a feverish what-if scenario in which a survivor musters the requisite recklessness, talent for murder, and wig collection to mete out retribution.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • The requisite post-credits tag could not feel more gratuitous or useless.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of requisite
Adjective
  • The away end is the only section to pre-date Charlton’s seven-year absence and facilities in there are basic.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The research, published in Chem Circularity, explores a system based on calcium looping, a process that uses the same basic material—limestone—that is already central to cement manufacturing.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • According to the district, only 83% of elementary seats and 79% of middle school seats were filled during the 2024 to 2025 school year.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The district is also preparing to develop a new elementary-school literacy curriculum this school year, with the help of new state funding.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Human intuition remains indispensable for true discovery, a capability current AI systems lack, according to Google DeepMind's Tom Zahavy.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Industry remains indispensable for transforming discoveries into products and services.
    — H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument
instrumental
instrumentalist
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Cite this Entry

“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instrumental

Nglish: Translation of instrumental for Spanish Speakers

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