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 During his tenure at GBH, Abbott was instrumental in helping launch the PBS on-demand platform PBS Passport, and oversaw nearly 800 employees. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 The docuseries teased first-person interviews from investigative reporters, police investigators, tabloid photographers, and Good Samaritans who were instrumental in publicizing Gadd’s preferences and crimes. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026 Ray, who finished with seven catches for 115 yards, was instrumental on the first touchdown drive, outleaping two defenders for a 36-yard catch along the right sideline. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 The Democratic senator from Massachusetts is a lawyer by training but is best known as a consumer advocate and was instrumental in the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is intended to protect people from fraud. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

On Wednesday, Abascal was notified to leave and given 30 minutes to pack her essential belongings.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
To watch the Severin discs is to be reminded of just how many cinematic discoveries remain out there waiting to be unearthed — and of how essential their work and the work of other boutique physical media labels continues to be.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Other research points to fundamental flaws of SAT and ACT testing, including that students from higher-income families tend to have higher SAT scores.

— Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
The drilling partnership therefore addresses a fundamental part of the deployment model.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Harrow New York may be vulnerable to a similar fate, but perhaps this sort of gamble is a necessary evil to ensure Harrow’s continuity, in one form or another.

— Ashley Baker, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
Delays are frustrating but necessary Because lightning can happen before or after a thunderstorm is overhead, rain is a poor indicator of lightning danger.

— Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

The pieces themselves are quite powerful, involving bits and bobs of righteous fury and vigilante justice, but they’re rarely strung together with the requisite rhythm.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026
Those navigating the market without the requisite knowledge or information are susceptible to potential outlier losses.

— David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

That’s one of the basic rules outlined in the New York Times Crossword submission guidelines and a convention followed by just about every major crossword outlet.

— New York Times, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Residents are dealing with rising costs while still asking for basic improvements to roads, lighting, flooding and traffic safety.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Allow me, before dealing with twentieth-century science, to dwell upon one more elementary fact.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
And, in New York City, the nation’s largest school district recently rolled out a new policy restricting screen time for elementary and middle school students, along with the use of artificial intelligence.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

While renewable energy is expanding quickly, coal remains indispensable in Asia.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
And while there is a worldwide fear that machines and AI will eventually replace workers, Helal is clear that workers are indispensable to the production process.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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