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 Gotta be honest, this instrumental version from one of those cover compilations of rock songs done lullaby-style for hipster parents is kind of great. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 The system is a valuable tool, instrumental in helping our men and women catch criminals, such as recent murder suspect Antwane Thurmond; however, we are committed only to its proper use for legitimate law enforcement purposes. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Many leaders in the community, who were instrumental in helping Sprouts Farmers Market build and plan its location, were present at the store’s opening. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Banks wrote this piece as an ensemble work, not as a showcase for his formidable instrumental prowess. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

Those plans must cover essential health benefits, such as prescription drugs and mental health coverage.

— Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, SmartAsset assumed these essential costs make up 50% of your budget.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Ultimately, keeping firearms securely locked and unloaded away from kids and unauthorized individuals is a fundamental part of responsible gun ownership.

— Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Russian businesses face fundamental economic challenges as the costly war drags on.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Addressing workers at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume warned Tuesday that eliminating tens of thousands of jobs could be necessary to remain competitive.

— Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
The equipment in the classroom is also outdated and no longer reaches performance capabilities necessary for modern digital art, web design and 2D and 3D imaging, officials said.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Though the operation took place at the workshop of the Crown Jeweller, Garrard & Company, British artisans lacked the requisite skill, prompting the Prince to hire master cutters from Amsterdam’s Royal Coster Diamonds.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Gini, an agronomist who has overseen the planting of some two hundred thousand trees in Parco Nord in the past quarter century, has the tan skin, strong hands, and hearty disposition that are requisite for the job.

— Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
In elementary classrooms, engagement may include collaborative projects involving discussion and problem solving, writing, or small-group lessons.

— Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

The person who fills gaps consistently becomes indispensable to the people around them.

— Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
As the media landscape has become increasingly decentralized, niche publications, newsletters and independent journalists have become an indispensable part of our outreach efforts.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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