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 As episode three picks up in the aftermath, this expansion of Dina’s role begins to quietly reshape the story, positioning the character as a crucial anchor for Ellie’s journey moving forward and hinting at more deviations to come. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 The tragedy happened just days before Canada’s crucial federal election on Monday, raising fresh questions about public safety. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025 With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial. Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 When the battles are this close, being in the right place at the right time is crucial. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crucial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
  • But the surprising mid-season decision to trade the Slovenian superstar coupled with a slew of key injuries, including to star guard Kyrie Irving, ultimately derailed any title aspirations Dallas might have had.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Port of Galveston in Texas is nearing completion of its $156 million Cruise Terminal 16, a key infrastructure expansion designed to boost the city's role as a major cruise embarkation point in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The order, which Trump signed in private, seeks to jumpstart the mining of both U.S. and international waters as part of a push to offset China's sweeping control of the critical minerals industry.
    Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Enough jaw-dropping critical injuries are sustained by characters in The Raid to overcrowd the Pitt.
    Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Players such as Tuch, who emerged as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL this season, and Zucker, a reliable veteran who gets to the front of the net and plays a no-nonsense game, are vital pieces to a winning team.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Another vital bulwark should be the Congress, but thus far, the Republican majorities have avoided acknowledging the problem, let alone taking meaningful steps to address it.
    Angus King, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the lack of standardized transparency across global skincare markets, in-house production serves a pivotal role.
    Xandra Harbet, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The same videos played a pivotal role in the last trial, when a witness counted the drinks Read appeared to drink at both establishments.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crucial

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