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.

It all adds up to a crucial question: Can the nearly 50-year-old franchise still delight its longtime fans, while bringing in new viewers to help it endure?

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

While the IPO offers investors economic exposure, it also provides the controlled company with a crucial cash cushion for acquisitions during industry consolidation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

And that relationship remains crucial for investors currently.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Coastal communities’ ability to evacuate quickly becomes crucial.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Her war work had taught her that these details were crucial.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Vocabulary lists containing crucial

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