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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 But those viewing hours are gone forever, and so too is the feeling that keeping up with Marvel was somehow vital to the larger cultural conversation. Peter Debruge, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025 The transatlantic or transnational model is vital to environmental criticism: ecological problems cannot be confined within national borders. Abby Clayton, JSTOR Daily, 29 Apr. 2025 Irrigation is vital to the country of 247.5 million, where agriculture makes up about one-quarter of its gross domestic product and 37.4% of employment. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025 Players such as Tuch, who emerged as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL this season, and Zucker, a reliable veteran who gets to the front of the net and plays a no-nonsense game, are vital pieces to a winning team. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Mariah, an energetic publicity executive in Oregon also described herself as an introverted extrovert, had a passion for self-exploration and chose work different from everyone else in her family.
    Jessie Rosen, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Rather than get stuck in or fooled by the appearance of things, this principle reminded us to sense their energetic underpinnings, such as clarity and intention.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kerns's track record highlights his knowledge and skills, having served over 5,000 clients and multiple active funds under management.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Asked whether any sensitive information was compromised by the attack, county spokesman Evan Shields declined comment, citing an active investigation.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding and regulating the trade in shark and ray meat is no longer optional but essential.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Garden gloves are essential for protecting our hands in the garden.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s what the bone analysis revealed about the man and how the researchers determined what was behind the lethal bite markings.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • James Osgood will be executed by lethal injection just after 6 p.m. Thursday at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s visit to the Great Lakes State, which proved crucial in his election victory last year, further spotlights the battleground that will also feature a contentious race for an open Senate seat next year to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That project, along with the Westbound Bypass, will improve train movements, but having one of the East River tubes under demotion for years is still the crucial missing link.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the wind speed itself is refreshing even at that level.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The choreography is refreshing but might be more so with a little more restraint.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is all part of their mission to make digital mindfulness and wellness accessible to as many people as possible through dynamic content and interactive experiences.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • How will 8 new coaches fare? WNBA to broadcast 4 preseason games nationally for first time as league dynamic changes What to watch in sports this week: Playoffs, Champions League semis and 151st Kentucky Derby James Boyd is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Indianapolis Colts.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His crossword is not themed, but the entry is lively nonetheless.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Located right on the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s liveliest piazza built atop the ancient Roman Capitolium, this museum gives new life to a majestic 17th-century palazzo.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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