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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 President Trump will give remarks Thursday afternoon to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, which established the program that now serves as a vital source of income for millions of Americans. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025 The museum’s young entrepreneur programs, a youth workforce development training teaching vital workforce skills, and art and STEM community engagement projects are also facing closure, according to McDaniels. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025 But thanks to journalists, academics, and politicians in the West denigrating their vital work, the entire field of journalism has been made politically irrelevant. Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025 The Publisher Playbook Ligue 1 McDonald’s approach offers a replicable playbook for sports publishers and leagues worldwide: In today’s dynamic digital landscape, building global fan communities is a vital element of any winning strategy. Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The Bills projected that second-year center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger could be back by the third preseason game, which would put him on pace to start the year on the active roster.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And likewise, emergency radio alerts proved essential during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • This right is essential to endorsement deals by pro athletes and celebrities, since they are paid to urge their fans and consumers to buy a product or service.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether that lethal combination continues moving forward, time will tell.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The prosecuting attorney for the 23rd Judicial District has ruled that two Cabot Police Department officers were justified in using lethal force in a May incident that didn't result in death or injury, the Arkansas State Police announced Tuesday.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As a crucial defense against damage from storms, a strong roof has always had elevated importance in Miami and Broward.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Carlisle played a crucial role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark law that established quality and safety standards for American whiskey.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Other favorites were the spicy, savory and crunchy Shiseido peppers, nicely balance with a refreshing melon salad.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The sight of people eating together, laughing, and walking outside in the sunlight was refreshing after hours of scrolling through videos of tasks completed alone in greige apartments with overhead lighting.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This dynamic, automated and tamper-proof validation offered superior assurance compared to traditional static reporting methods.
    Mirror Tang, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The store has an intimate but dynamic feel, designed to spark conversation, connection and a deeper appreciation for diverse storytelling.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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