1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
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4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
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5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
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6
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
after the long, dreary winter, we welcomed the vital rays of the summer sun
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vital
Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of the Monkees’ greatest hits not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of the Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Their unwavering support and collaboration have been vital in the investigation and keeping the public safe.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ukraine has fought back with its own drone forces in strikes such as Operation Spider Web in June, when Ukrainian drones entered deep into Russia and struck vital military installations in their enemy’s heartland.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
The University of Minnesota began as an agricultural school and remains a vital part of Minnesota agriculture.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Their unwavering support and collaboration have been vital in the investigation and keeping the public safe.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ukraine has fought back with its own drone forces in strikes such as Operation Spider Web in June, when Ukrainian drones entered deep into Russia and struck vital military installations in their enemy’s heartland.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
The University of Minnesota began as an agricultural school and remains a vital part of Minnesota agriculture.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
-
Most of Earth’s radiation isn’t energetic enough to excite water molecules into a vibrational quantum states.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming—a place where groups gather, conversations fill the air, and the meal becomes the centerpiece of the evening.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Gadsden was active Sunday for the first time in his NFL career.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
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Also, keeping your dogs and cats active is a great brain activity and keeps them healthy both mentally and physically.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Collaboration across the value chain is essential.—
Michaila Byrne,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Some of these minerals include those essential to the production of phones and computer chips.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Advocacy groups have also raised concerns, noting Arizona's troubled history with executions, including a series of botched lethal injections that led to an eight-year pause before the state resumed the practice in 2022.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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For children with sepsis, a potentially lethal reaction by the body to infection that causes 20% of deaths worldwide, the wait can prove deadly.—
Brian Simpson,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The character's scientific background becomes crucial to the investigation.—
Veronica Villafañe,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Windshield wipers are a crucial yet often overlooked part of a vehicle.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And its falanghina, imported from the owners’ family winery in Campania, is floral and refreshing.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
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The team element is a refreshing change from the oppressive singularity of the ATP tour.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
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Although the North Aegean’s dynamic environment and geology creates less-than-ideal preservation conditions, the team still discovered evidence of numerous stone tools from multiple Paleolithic periods.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Expect a lively mix of chef demos, book signings, brunch-style tastings, and conversation with some of the region’s most influential women.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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The kind of free speech and lively discourse that Kirk espoused involved spreading hateful conspiracy theories and misinformation.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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