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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 The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025 Her intelligence is that vital and exacting, her wit that mischievous, her concerns – feminism, environmentalism, dystopian societies – that urgently relevant. Literary Hub, 10 July 2025 First, this operation illustrates the vital importance of having strong inspectors general (IG) protecting tax dollars. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Along with talking to a grief counselor or therapist, seeking out a support system can be vital. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • That coherence is a physical, energetic property in one’s mind-body system.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Both Explorer’s Lounge and the Pinnacle Bar are on the quieter side, while Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard have live music and a more energetic vibe, particularly later in the evening.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • While sightings in urban areas like Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa are relatively uncommon, Florida black bears become more active during spring and summer and can sometimes be seen in unexpected places, said Thompson, assigned to the wildlife agency’s division of Habitat and Species Conservation.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
  • The advisory was active for Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The House bill text also included a provision prohibiting Obamacare marketplace insurance plans from including gender transition procedures as an essential health benefit.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • The 2025 proxy season affirmed diversity as an essential business principle grounded in business data, immune to fleeting political pressures.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Police said less lethal munitions were deployed by federal authorities.
    Jenna Sundel Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • The industrial and technological revolutions, also beginning in the 18th century, have made war vastly more destructive and lethal.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a crucial leadership change last September, Starbucks appointed Molly Liu, former chief of Starbucks China's digital division, to head its business in the country.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2025
  • With excitement growing over his pace and death-bowling abilities in the crucial latter stages of an innings — ramped up after a final-over hat-trick against Middlesex in the Twenty20 Blast — England fast-tracked him.
    Max Mathews, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the heat of summer kicks in, few things are more refreshing than biting into a slice of fresh fruit, like watermelon and pineapple.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025
  • Switch The Citrus In Your Mojito Recipe Substitute the traditional lime for lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, or a combination of citrus juices for a sweeter variation that’s just as refreshing as the original.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • In Marvel’s Ironheart, the world of technology collides with the supernatural, creating a fresh, dynamic chapter in the MCU.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Amazon $399 Bose $400 Best Buy The Bose Soundlink Mac (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the ultimate modern boombox, thanks to huge dynamic drivers, massive bass, and an awesome ropelike carrying handle.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In February, a lively and well-attended protest march took over the streets of downtown McAllen; a news site compared it to a celebration after a high-school-football victory.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 7 July 2025
  • The music was lively, and the people were friendly.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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