be instrumental

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.

Indeed, it may be instrumental in determining the fate of millions of American-born infants.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

I am sure Jonny will be instrumental in encouraging Michael to keep looking within, and not always outside the ranks, when thinking of young talent.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Advancing the theoretical models of memory will be instrumental to gaining new insights into the human mind and recreating humanlike memory in AI agents.

From Science Daily • Oct. 8, 2025

Soccer’s chief executive officer, was said to be instrumental in helping the two sides cut through that while also negotiating a contract with Pochettino that is reportedly the largest in the federation’s history.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2024

The girl’s name, reader, was Miggery Sow And though she did not yet know it, she would be instrumental in helping the rat work his revenge.

From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo