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Definitions

vital

[vahyt-l] / ˈvaɪt l /
ADJECTIVE
essential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic critical crucial decisive fundamental imperative important indispensable integral key meaningful necessary needed significant urgent
WEAK
bottom-line cardinal coal-and-ice constitutive heavy life-or-death meat-and-potatoes must-have nitty-gritty prerequisite required requisite underlined
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional extra inessential insignificant meaningless minor needless nonessential optional secondary trivial uncritical unimportant unnecessary useless voluntary worthless
WEAK
dead dull insignficant sluggish
ADJECTIVE
lively
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dynamic energetic vibrant vigorous
WEAK
animated forceful lusty red-blooded spirited strenuous vivacious zestful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dull idle inactive lethargic
WEAK
dead inessential insignficant sluggish trivial unimportant
ADJECTIVE
alive
Synonyms
WEAK
animate animated breathing generative invigorative life-giving live living quickening
Antonyms
WEAK
dead dull inessential insignficant sluggish trivial unimportant

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.

"This marks a quiet but vital step in strengthening their population and securing their future," it added.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

ZSL maintains that its work - both in its zoos and in the wild - is vital for conservation, education and global health.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The obesity drug seems to reduce visceral fat, a harmful form of fat stored around vital organs, the trial showed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The S&P 500 surged 10% and Nasdaq 15% in April, reaching all-time highs, making strong Big Tech earnings vital for continued momentum.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Monitoring, both remote and local, is vital to saving lives.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Vocabulary lists containing vital

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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List 7

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"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury

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