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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 Fans of their work know color was a vital element in their designs, which range from the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose to Caudra San Cristóbal on the outskirts of Mexico City, the latter opening to the public this year as a cultural center for art and architecture. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025 This may seem too basic, but your team plays a vital role in VoIP network security. Ruchir Brahmbhatt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is a vital part of Ramadan, the period when Muslims believe the angel Gabriel first revealed the Quran, Islam’s central religious text, to the Prophet Muhammad. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Azerbaijan has also tried to bully and threaten its way into disingenuous peace deals with Armenia while plotting with Turkey, a key ally, in taking sovereign lands away from Armenia including the Zangezur Corridor, a vital trade route located between the two countries. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Amaury is a bright, happy, and energetic boy in search of a family.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The incubator’s space at the Mart quickly became an energetic locus for tech startups in Chicago and, just as importantly, gave the city’s nascent tech community a brand that was recognizable to Chicagoans outside the startup orbit as well as to funders and entrepreneurs in other cities.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Currently, there are 40 active tribes that participate in parades and events during Mardi Gras, Super Sundays and St. Joseph’s Day.
    Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Assist/little Lake Fire has burned four acres of private land after being active for seven hours.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Influencing Without Authority For a tech leader, influencing without authority is essential.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • While safety is essential, true stability comes from economic opportunity — the chance to build a fulfilling life, regardless of your ZIP code.
    Carolina Chavez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023, Idaho authorized the firing squad as a method of execution if lethal injection drugs were not available.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Seven have died in the electric chair and 39 by lethal injection.
    Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the rookie’s up-and-down performances through the past three games reflect the growing pains of learning to function as a crucial member of the starting lineup.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
  • However, housing experts have warned that Donald Trump's policies could have a negative impact on construction efforts across the U.S. Tariffs on Canada could increase the cost of softwood lumber, a crucial material used in homebuilding which the U.S. imports heavily from its neighbor.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s often enjoyed with ice and can even be mixed with other beverages like beer for a refreshing cocktail.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Napoleon Photo : Maker's Mark Born in the California beach enclave of Montecito, the Napoleon comes by its refreshing summer vibes honestly, even if it is made with a seemingly unsummery spirit.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From the initial spark of motivation to the sustained excellence of high performance, positive reinforcement creates a pathway to success that is both dynamic and enduring.
    Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Impressions of the week: A very dynamic week with a lot of shows, presentations, trade shows and showrooms with worldwide talents, from ready-to-wear to accessories.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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