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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.

The results will determine who runs vital public services such as schools, social care, rubbish collection and transport.

From BBC • 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

"Our presence in every corner, in every area, is vital to conserve, maintain and monitor the resources we have," 31-year-old Yeiner Hernandez explained.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

“She is proud of her record. And unlike her opponents, she has the vital municipal experience needed to run this important office during this critical time in the city’s history,” Korinke said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Proximity has taught me some basic and humbling truths, including this vital lesson: Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing vital

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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List 7

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"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury

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