Definitions

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.

He could throw down a dunk, hit a 3-pointer, snare a crucial rebound and bottle up the other team’s best scorer, all in the same game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

But getting the timing of the harvest right is crucial.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

This could be used for rent or put toward college tuition at a crucial time.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

That evaluation, however, overlooks a crucial factor, charter supporters say.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Jefferson had made his amends and some crucial concessions.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing crucial

List 1

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