crucial

[kroo-shuhl] / ˈkru ʃəl /

ADJECTIVE

critical, important

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bottom-line central compelling deciding decisive essential imperative momentous necessary pivotal pressing touchy urgent vital

WEAK

acute clamorous climactic desperate dire hanging by thread high-priority insistent on thin ice searching showdown touch and go

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inessential insignificant minor optional secondary trivial unimportant unnecessary voluntary

WEAK

uncritical

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.

“Family members stepping in ahead of time would be so crucial,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Although China’s government sees AI as crucial to the country’s economic and military future, regulations and recent purges of online content show it also fears AI could destabilize society.

From The Wall Street Journal

He rose through the ranks, burnishing his credentials by leading a campaign battling an ethnic rebel insurrection around crucial trade crossings with China.

From Barron's

Ye-won's mother believes the pilots did everything they could in those crucial moments to save lives on board.

From Barron's

Beijing is aware of the problems, though officials say self-reliance will remain crucial over China’s next five-year plan.

From The Wall Street Journal

crucial

Example Sentences

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