crucial

[kroo-shuhl] / ˈkru ʃəl /

ADJECTIVE

critical, important

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bottom-line central compelling deciding decisive essential imperative momentous necessary pivotal pressing touchy urgent vital

WEAK

acute clamorous climactic desperate dire hanging by thread high-priority insistent on thin ice searching showdown touch and go

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inessential insignificant minor optional secondary trivial unimportant unnecessary voluntary

WEAK

uncritical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Having seen these effects among children living along the Salton Sea, we believe the protection of local air quality is crucial for the health of children in the Imperial Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

All of which will make the coming earnings-reporting season crucial, especially managements’ discussion of their outlooks.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Fire investigation officer, David Hadjicostas, told the BBC podcast that a forensic contractor allowed crucial evidence to be put in a skip.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The performance of 18A is also crucial for 14A, which is where Intel will hope to attract external customers for its foundry.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

This map was crucial in destroying the two spheres theory, and in making Copernicanism possible.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

crucial

Example Sentences

Related Words