as in essential
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Paul, who died in 2009 at age 94, won Grammys for best instrumental performance in pop, rock and country categories, a sign of his broad influence.
—
Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 May 2025
In the end, many of these scientists—and the investment in American science in general—played instrumental roles in winning the Cold War and the Space Race.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025
By 2012, Francis joined instrumental funk outfit the Heard but was kicked out in 2015 for his excessive drinking and partying.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
Zumwalt played an instrumental role in Garcia adding the toe tap this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 May 2025
In the end, many of these scientists—and the investment in American science in general—played instrumental roles in winning the Cold War and the Space Race.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025
By 2012, Francis joined instrumental funk outfit the Heard but was kicked out in 2015 for his excessive drinking and partying.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
Zumwalt played an instrumental role in Garcia adding the toe tap this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
Adjective
-
Misty Copeland shares essential advice from Prince, favorite dish to cook, self-care tips The attitude required dealing with critics: 'Great empathy for these people' Years of criticism has taught Zee not to absorb the negativity of online trolls.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, emotional intelligence is consistently ranked as one of the most essential skills for navigating the future of work.—
Leisse Wilcox,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
But low pay for drivers isn’t fundamental to the business of taxi and food delivery work.—
Daniel Ocampo,
Hartford Courant,
18 May 2025
-
Now a nursing student at New York's SUNY Erie Community College, Rodriguez exemplifies a fundamental shift reshaping higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Constant vigilance is necessary because drownings can happen within minutes, and young children especially can wander off or duck out of sight quickly.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
-
This might mean caps on unlimited PTO during certain times of year, or that advance approval is necessary.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
People who are pregnant or receiving care post-partum are among those exempt from this employment requisite.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
Such an instance arrives here as well, albeit without the requisite buildup that might make Mengele’s inescapable nausea meaningful.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to abortions, Planned Parenthood clinics offer birth control, pregnancy testing, STD testing, and basic gynecological services.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
Even Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group known for public records litigation often aimed at uncovering information about Democratic officials and administrations, said it is increasingly being forced to fight in court just to access basic records.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Deloitte’s Shaping the Path Forward offers some indispensable insights into the challenges likely to be encountered as part of this process.—
Amanda Tickel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 is an urgent, indispensable film for our times.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond elementary and secondary education, Dysolve is gaining traction among adults facing literacy challenges, college students, and even individuals in their eighties.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
To point out the obvious, Del Mar’s McClurg is paid significantly more than her counterparts at the other local elementary districts.—
Marsha Sutton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share