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 industry veteran has been with the company for more than 20 years, instrumental in such early hits as Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor and later Too Hot to Handle for Netflix and Mamma Mia! — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Early detection is also instrumental to addressing chronic absenteeism, classroom misconduct and student disconnectedness detrimental to any learning environment. — Vanessa Andersen, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 The Nobel committee said his work was instrumental to the construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, which glimpsed the first high-energy neutrinos from faraway galaxies. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026 The instrumental break that followed locked the band into a seamless flow. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

The brand believes that allowing attendees to see, touch and fully appreciate the craftsmanship, materials and details of the garments is essential to convey the full value of the collection.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
For community associations and other property owners, maintaining safe conditions to avoid injuries is essential to satisfying their duty and minimizing exposure to potentially severe financial and legal liabilities.

— Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The 2026 Nobel Prize for Chemistry has been awarded to Henri Kagan of the Universite Paris-Sud, in France, and Kenso Soai of the Tokyo University of Science, in Japan, for their work exploring the fundamental geometry of molecules.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
Unless there's a dramatic fundamental change in the dynamic, Democrats are on pace to capture the Senate and House majorities in November.

— Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Most American universities and colleges desire one or more years of foreign language (Spanish, French, German, etc) from applicants along with the requisite number of core courses (math, science, etc).

— Doug Wojcieszak, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

But the pueblo blanco of Casares makes a good day trip, though meals are on the basic side in the town’s restaurants and cafes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
Saint followed her sister to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in elementary education.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Meta isn’t alone in trying to convince ordinary people that AI is indispensable.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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