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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 The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025 Her intelligence is that vital and exacting, her wit that mischievous, her concerns – feminism, environmentalism, dystopian societies – that urgently relevant. Literary Hub, 10 July 2025 First, this operation illustrates the vital importance of having strong inspectors general (IG) protecting tax dollars. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Along with talking to a grief counselor or therapist, seeking out a support system can be vital. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Born 12 years apart, videos shared by their mom online show an energetic and happy Izzy Offett and a reserved Wayland Coe through the years.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • These curious cats are energetic, curious and know their names.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • These insects have been active since the end of June.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025
  • State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Police said less lethal munitions were deployed by federal authorities.
    Jenna Sundel Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • An attempt to execute an inmate by lethal injection in February 2024 was called off after prison staff failed to properly attach IV lines.
    NBC News, NBC news, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Late last month, the retailer lined up the financing just ahead of a crucial $120 million interest payment.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • These crucial prohibitions, the EU-3 believed, would block Iranian nuclear-weapons ambitions while affording Tehran the benefit of civil uses of atomic energy for electrical power, medical research, and the like.
    John R. Bolton, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the heat of summer kicks in, few things are more refreshing than biting into a slice of fresh fruit, like watermelon and pineapple.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025
  • The cucumber salad is so refreshing and so simple to make.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the most dynamic companies today, such as Amazon, Notion, and Anthropic operate on different principles.
    Jeroen Tas, Time, 10 July 2025
  • Around the world, a new breed of hospitality leaders is transforming lobbies, guest rooms, and even rooftops into dynamic platforms for contemporary art, democratizing access and forging unprecedented artist-community-corporate synergies.
    Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In February, a lively and well-attended protest march took over the streets of downtown McAllen; a news site compared it to a celebration after a high-school-football victory.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 7 July 2025
  • The music was lively, and the people were friendly.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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