as in key
of the greatest possible importance
water is crucial to our survival
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Recent Examples of crucial
The radar, an AN/TPY-2, is a crucial piece of equipment for the US’ high-end THAAD missile interception system.
—
Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Live viewing remains crucial for broadcast networks’ ad revenue, which makes maintaining healthy linear ratings important amid audiences’ migration to streaming.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Here's what to know as the Artemis II astronauts begin their crucial test flight, aimed at setting the stage for a NASA moon landing in 2028.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Those inputs are crucial for everything from the food on your grocery shelves to the shopping bags that carry them.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crucial
Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Live viewing remains crucial for broadcast networks’ ad revenue, which makes maintaining healthy linear ratings important amid audiences’ migration to streaming.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Here's what to know as the Artemis II astronauts begin their crucial test flight, aimed at setting the stage for a NASA moon landing in 2028.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Those inputs are crucial for everything from the food on your grocery shelves to the shopping bags that carry them.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crucial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucial
Adjective
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The All-Big 12 defense guard has been a key cog the last two seasons for the Horned Frogs as one of the best defenders in the country.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
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The gas tax is a key source of funding for road construction and maintenance across North Carolina, and lawmakers said eliminating it even temporarily could slow projects or worsen existing infrastructure needs.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On Thursday, a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, designed to cut China off from chipmaking tools and target the country’s most critical semiconductor firms.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
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Businesses along the Watt Avenue corridor say opening the shelter is critical to reducing neighborhood crime and blight.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
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After testing vital systems, the crew boosted the Orion capsule to 22,670 mph and escaped Earth’s gravity.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crucial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucial. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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