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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vital are cardinal, essential, and fundamental. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

When might cardinal be a better fit than vital?

In some situations, the words cardinal and vital are roughly equivalent. However, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When can essential be used instead of vital?

While the synonyms essential and vital are close in meaning, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

Where would fundamental be a reasonable alternative to vital?

While in some cases nearly identical to vital, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

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 Interestingly, the model predicts protein interactions and even forecasts which mutations will disrupt the communication between these vital molecules. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025 Macroscopes are well-suited to take in data from elaborate systems, identify patterns through analysis, and reveal vital relations that might be obscured by that system’s size and complexity. Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025 Europe has been hungry for a homegrown alternative to Starlink, which dominates the sector — the service has been vital to Ukrainian troops in the war against Russia, and fears of a possible shutdown accelerated Europe’s space ambitions. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2025 Xavi’s side has shown flashes of brilliance through the emerging talents of Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, while Ilkay Gündogan’s experience has been vital in keeping their midfield composed. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • The Disney Channel series, which released new episodes Monday through Friday at the height of its popularity, would see its energetic teen stars perform a blend of musical performances and sketch comedy routines.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Absent replacing party sinecurists with able, energetic people, nothing can keep candidates from adopting this agenda on their own—as some younger primary challengers of Democratic incumbents are already starting to do.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But most deer versus vehicle crashes are the result of breeding season, when bucks are active and increasing their movement.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to the survey, active news consumers tended to be older, left-leaning viewers of cable news.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This black turtleneck top is a layering essential that works equally well with maxi skirts and wide-leg jeans.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • But fostering creativity, curiosity, and empathy are also essential for organizations to remain competitive and resilient.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • None of the agencies have claimed responsibility for using less-lethal weapons.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But the lethal force has raised several legal questions, as past administrations have relied on law enforcement to interdict drug shipments.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why career development conversations play such a crucial role.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That Episode 5 car ride is arguably the series’ most crucial scene, and the dialogue about the vagrant bird its most poignant.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While both flavors share the same SPF actives and nourishing base, the Mint version delivers a refreshing, tingly finish from peppermint oil and menthol, while the Açai option leans sweeter with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Born in the California beach enclave of Montecito, the Napoleon comes by its refreshing summer vibes honestly, even if it is made with a seemingly unsummery spirit.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While public institutions can sometimes be scientific, encyclopedic, even cold in their faithfulness to detail, private institutions often have more freedom to take an aesthetic and dynamic approach, and have proven their legitimacy, Simode adds.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The texture feels alive—polished yet dynamic—helping the orris read more like modern tailoring rather than powdery nostalgia.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The question of how to manage Indiana's forests sparks some of the livelier and more contentious debates among local environmentalists.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Inside a converted warehouse (complete with an outdoor patio), the lively, family-friendly taproom serves creative small-batch brews, drawing a steady mix of locals and visitors.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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