Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crucial contrast with its synonyms?

The words acute and critical are common synonyms of crucial. While all three words mean "of uncertain outcome," crucial suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a future course or direction.

a crucial vote

Where would acute be a reasonable alternative to crucial?

While the synonyms acute and crucial are close in meaning, acute stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point.

an acute housing shortage

How are the words critical and acute related as synonyms of crucial?

Critical adds to acute implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome.

the war has entered a critical phase

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crucial Knowing the kind of clog your sink is dealing with is crucial for knowing how to treat the clog properly with specific cleaners and tools. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 Since its founding, Charlie Kirk has been the operation’s public face and crucial to its influence. Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 Choosing a carry-on that’s large enough to accommodate your packing needs is crucial; without it, your attempts at saving space will likely fall flat. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 The city is home to Nvidia’s headquarters and a cluster of semiconductor companies crucial to AI development. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crucial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
  • The weather in New York might still be in flip-flop territory, yet many show-goers were impatient to get a step ahead of fall’s key trends, with just as many boots as sandals lining the front row.
    Emma Spedding, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The Brenner Base Tunnel, which will be the longest underground rail tunnel in the world when completed, is among four key infrastructure projects that promise to reshape how Italians travel and ship goods by the early 2030s, while bringing Europe closer together.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Xi Jinping has remarked that relying on foreign supply of critical technologies—like semiconductors—is tantamount to building one's house on someone else's foundation.
    Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Bynum made a diving catch that extinguished a critical drive for the Broncos.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These short stories about scientists working at the leading edge of climate microbiology reveal the vital role microbes play in our biosphere and climate system, and illuminate new possibilities for collaborating with these incredible natural chemists.
    Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The traditional playbook of financial engineering and operational efficiency, while still vital, is no longer sufficient.
    Cristian Paun, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The atmosphere was electric—a convergence of style, creativity, and community that underscored the growing influence of Black creators during one of fashion’s most pivotal weeks.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable urban transformation and circular construction practices.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crucial

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