as in essential
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Recent Examples of instrumental
Paul, who died in 2009 at age 94, won Grammys for best instrumental performance in pop, rock and country categories, a sign of his broad influence.
—
Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 May 2025
In the end, many of these scientists—and the investment in American science in general—played instrumental roles in winning the Cold War and the Space Race.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025
By 2012, Francis joined instrumental funk outfit the Heard but was kicked out in 2015 for his excessive drinking and partying.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
Zumwalt played an instrumental role in Garcia adding the toe tap this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 May 2025
In the end, many of these scientists—and the investment in American science in general—played instrumental roles in winning the Cold War and the Space Race.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025
By 2012, Francis joined instrumental funk outfit the Heard but was kicked out in 2015 for his excessive drinking and partying.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
Zumwalt played an instrumental role in Garcia adding the toe tap this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
Adjective
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Tailor Your Résumé While certifications are essential, your résumé must reflect a comprehensive picture of your skills and experiences.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Specifically, a waterproof cell phone pouch is essential when enjoying water activities during the summer.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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This creates a fundamental mismatch between the investment horizons of businesses and the timelines on which the industries of the future depend.—
Mary Johnstone-Louis,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Beyond its role in defining styles, the exhibition raised fundamental questions about the relationship between art and industry, the function of ornament, and the need to connect design with social demands.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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If additional funding is necessary, the goal is not just to access capital, but to access it strategically.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Nothing of the sort is necessary for Barkov, whose reputation as the best two-way center in the league (at least based on Selke voting) is deserved.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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People who are pregnant or receiving care post-partum are among those exempt from this employment requisite.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Such an instance arrives here as well, albeit without the requisite buildup that might make Mengele’s inescapable nausea meaningful.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Even after one course Rudd can ask what brings them to the clinic and get basic background information.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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Essentially aiming to be distraction-free communication devices in the most basic sense, these generally have black-and-white matte e-ink screens, good battery life, the ability to call and text, and a couple of standard apps.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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This afternoon a state appellate panel in Albany is hearing a case to reinstate a good government group lawsuit against the state Board of Elections for wrongly allowing new voting machines that dispense with the indispensable needed for a secure franchise: paper ballots.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
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The root often lies in a desire to be liked, helpful or seen as indispensable.—
Diana Lowe,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Last August, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved voluntary guidelines for districts to create their own cellphone policies and recommended restrictions removing cellphones from all elementary and middle school classrooms.—
Nate Iglehart,
Christian Science Monitor,
21 May 2025
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Beyond elementary and secondary education, Dysolve is gaining traction among adults facing literacy challenges, college students, and even individuals in their eighties.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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