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 Quebec duo’s face-concealing masks, geometrical hats and polka-dot fashion schemes might scream novelty, but its virtuosic, largely instrumental fare is the genuine article. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 Brooks was instrumental in redeveloping the neighborhood into a suburban-like enclave for working- and middle-class Black Americans. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026 His work was instrumental in the development of modern cellular communications technology. — IEEE Spectrum, 10 Sep. 2026 Mark Reuss, who was head of product development at the time, was instrumental in leading the engineering team through the transformation. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

Amendment is so essential to the American constitutional tradition, so methodical and so entire a conception of endurance through adaptation, that it can best be described as a philosophy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Neisen’s own childhood, spent on a corn and soy farm in South Dakota, made carving out some nature essential.

— Tanya Fevzi, CNN Money, 10 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

Goertz took Birdsall's basic ideas and refined them into something far more cohesive, blending the visual extravagance of 1950s America with a distinctly European sense of proportion.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
That in turn feeds ‘The Ticker’, the basic on-screen representation of the score and ‘The Computer’, another programme that turns that raw information into the more intricate graphics that appear on the screen.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Martha has the rare superhuman instincts required to keep both the class and the mess in harmonious balance, and watching her walk into RHONY is like watching a prima ballerina lead an elementary-school dance class.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
As long as the elementary principles of supply-and-demand continue to hold sway, the invisible hand of the marketplace will keep on flipping the bird to the naysayers.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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