Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crucial contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and critical are common synonyms of crucial. While all three words mean "of uncertain outcome," crucial suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a future course or direction.

a crucial vote

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to crucial?

While the synonyms acute and crucial are close in meaning, acute stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point.

an acute housing shortage

How are the words critical and acute related as synonyms of crucial?

Critical adds to acute implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome.

the war has entered a critical phase

Examples 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 crucial The reshuffle happened at a crucial moment for Israel, which is fighting bloody wars in Gaza and Lebanon while awaiting a potential retaliatory attack from Iran. Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Keeping an eye on interest rates and inflation will be crucial for making smart decisions in 2025. Johan Hajji, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The company argues that American leadership in open-source AI is both economically advantageous and crucial for global security. Tharin Pillay, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris visited one of Georgia's most diverse cities Thursday with presidential, moviemaking and rock music legends to keep momentum with a crucial voting segment in a pivotal swing state. Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crucial 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
  • The duo will work with a handful of key executives.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Cleveland's struggles have put the team in rebuilding mode, with uncertainty at key positions and salary cap issues that may be impossible to overcome.
    Troy Smith, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Asian Americans in particular have emerged as a critical part of the electorate, now making up about a quarter of the district’s population as its largest minority group.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Trump would go on to win the critical swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania in his landslide victory.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Under the strategic direction of Soleimani, the IRGC’s Quds Force, along with Iraqi Shiite armed groups, began constructing a vital land bridge to transport supplies, weapons, and personnel from Iran and Iraq into Syria.
    Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Upcoming: November 12th – Wild Hope, Wildlife Corridors, and Citizen Science Learn how citizen scientists and experts are working together to identify and protect vital wildlife corridors, and how you can get involved in conservation efforts.
    Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The congressional district that includes sections of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties could play a pivotal role in the partisan battle over control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans seek to hold onto a narrow majority.
    John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • This is a very important point for Lila, because the emancipation of women plays a pivotal role in Elena Ferrante’s books.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crucial

Cite this Entry

“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on crucial

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