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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 Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting sprawling sanctions from Western allies, who have also, led by the U.S., provided vital military aid to Kyiv for its defense against Moscow. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Packed inside the tiny sunflower seed is a well-rounded mix of vital nutrients like healthy fats and other nutrients. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025 For some, this is a vital community hub, a space that must be preserved. Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 May 2025 China hit back by putting export curbs on some rare earth elements, vital for U.S. manufacturers of weapons and electronic consumer goods, and raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Emma Farge, USA Today, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, for active and retired military members, a 10% military discount is available year-round.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Over the last 20 years, more coaches (16) have finished with worse records (excluding active coaches) than with improved records (13) in their second-chance campaigns, according to NHL Stats.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Specifically, a waterproof cell phone pouch is essential when enjoying water activities during the summer.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stephen Stanko’s attorneys told him that lethal injection would feel like drowning when a lethal dose of pentobarbital is injected into the inmate’s veins and there’s a rush of fluid into the lungs.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • However, in the days to come, zoo officials faced mounting criticism for not trying to tranquilize the 17-year-old Western lowland silverback before using lethal force.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The timing piece is crucial, but the relationship building is everything.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 June 2025
  • Democrats currently hold a voter registration edge of roughly 800,000 over Republicans, but independents make up a crucial share of the electorate.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Summer corn is juicy, crisp and sweet, adding refreshing texture to the nutty quinoa.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • Betty Booze is getting two refreshing additions to its lineup just in time for summer.
    Erin Clements, People.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Raymond Saunders: Flowers From a Black Garden is a dynamic selection of the artist’s layered, mixed-media works that blend painting, drawing, and collage.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 June 2025
  • The concept, known as dynamic breathability, the Australian Merino wool marketer said, reflects how well the material adapts to changing conditions.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • In lieu of bunking in the 4,000-square-foot Lord House, built in 1962 just off of Mulholland Drive, rent it out by the hour and host a lively pool party.
    Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
  • Thus began a lively rivalry with Lee, who quickly learned Clemens possesses a killer serve.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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