1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
after the long, dreary winter, we welcomed the vital rays of the summer sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 vital
Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of the Monkees’ greatest hits not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of the Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Their unwavering support and collaboration have been vital in the investigation and keeping the public safe.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ukraine has fought back with its own drone forces in strikes such as Operation Spider Web in June, when Ukrainian drones entered deep into Russia and struck vital military installations in their enemy’s heartland.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
The University of Minnesota began as an agricultural school and remains a vital part of Minnesota agriculture.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Their unwavering support and collaboration have been vital in the investigation and keeping the public safe.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ukraine has fought back with its own drone forces in strikes such as Operation Spider Web in June, when Ukrainian drones entered deep into Russia and struck vital military installations in their enemy’s heartland.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
The University of Minnesota began as an agricultural school and remains a vital part of Minnesota agriculture.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
-
Most of Earth’s radiation isn’t energetic enough to excite water molecules into a vibrational quantum states.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming—a place where groups gather, conversations fill the air, and the meal becomes the centerpiece of the evening.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of the most active users of AI are now turning to the bots for things like life advice, therapy, and human intimacy.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Interior islands may exhibit active fire and isolated torching or trees may occur.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The Panthers are paying their offensive line a fortune, and Hubbard is here for the long haul, focusing on those two variables is essential.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The most recent execution via firing squad in the United States occurred in South Carolina, where Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed in March, opting for the method instead of the electric chair or lethal injection.—
Amanda Castro
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While officers in the garage tried to find Cook’s firearm before approaching him, Miller from outside the front of the house gave commands to other officers to retrieve a shield and a 40mm less-lethal projectile launcher, the reports showed.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Guiding principles, both personal and professional, are just as crucial as having the right policy goals.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rashid found Chiu’s communication style simple and refreshing.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The lightweight formula glides on with a refreshing tingle, then rinses away to reveal skin that feels softer, smoother, and more luminous.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
It is blessed with a huge territory, a dynamic economy and the strategic luxury of large oceans on its east and west and much smaller powers to its north and south.—
John Rennie Short,
The Conversation,
11 Sep. 2025
-
CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
On a sunny Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Rita Guerrero stepped out from her door on North Mariposa Street, lively pup Olive barely contained by her leash.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Zarutska worked in a lively area of the lower South End dotted with breweries, apartment complexes and coffee shops.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share