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 The group’s history began in the Mexican town of El Recodo, Sinaloa, as an instrumental wind band, playing only traditional melodies from the region. — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 His expertise and oversight proved instrumental in creating a manufacturing operation capable of meeting the brand’s exacting standards. — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 Bissouma played an instrumental role in the 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the final, playing the full 90 minutes, winning seven duels and four tackles. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Mozee has been instrumental in recruiting top players to Lincoln, and rose from senior football assistant to assistant head coach in two years. — Pj Green september 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

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

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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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