Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

vital

[vahyt-l] / ˈvaɪt l /
ADJECTIVE
essential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic critical crucial decisive fundamental imperative important indispensable integral key meaningful necessary needed significant urgent
WEAK
bottom-line cardinal coal-and-ice constitutive heavy life-or-death meat-and-potatoes must-have nitty-gritty prerequisite required requisite underlined
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional extra inessential insignificant meaningless minor needless nonessential optional secondary trivial uncritical unimportant unnecessary useless voluntary worthless
WEAK
dead dull insignficant sluggish
ADJECTIVE
lively
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dynamic energetic vibrant vigorous
WEAK
animated forceful lusty red-blooded spirited strenuous vivacious zestful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dull idle inactive lethargic
WEAK
dead inessential insignficant sluggish trivial unimportant
ADJECTIVE
alive
Synonyms
WEAK
animate animated breathing generative invigorative life-giving live living quickening
Antonyms
WEAK
dead dull inessential insignficant sluggish trivial unimportant

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.

Investors are driving big gains in companies making components vital to AI infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"Our historical experience has taught us that delegating vital matters... to international judicial bodies has been detrimental to our sovereignty and our territorial integrity," he said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Villaraigosa defended the undocumented immigrants residing in California, saying they are vital to the economic success of the state.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Despite our cultural differences and the geopolitical tensions, China remains vital to my professional and personal life.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

“I agree,” replied Methuselah, “but the next line is of vital importance. It tells exactly when to look—‘at night, when day’s first hour.’”

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing vital

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 7

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!