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.

A crucial one to watch will be after a planned communication blackout during which the Orion passes behind the far side of the Moon.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Nivola, in a particularly tough role, displays a heady mix of alpha machismo, tenderness and contempt that is just as funny as it needs to be without losing a crucial dimensionality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Another concern is helium, which is crucial for semiconductor wafer fabrication.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Having some guarantees of safe passage for ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz will be crucial though.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

It is only from the 1640s that natural philosophy becomes a crucial category, largely owing to the influence of Descartes.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

crucial

Example Sentences

Related Words