as in essential
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Recent Examples of instrumental
Ball was sworn in as Winfield’s first town marshal on Aug. 26, 2014, and was instrumental in starting up the new police department a month later.
—
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player whose influence spread to country and blues genres, was the first artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, which became instrumental in setting Nashville up as a major country music hub.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 27 May 2025
Conclusion Federal investment in R&D has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the United States’ technological and economic leadership.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Professional unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) are already instrumental in conservation efforts and engineering projects, but even personal use drones do more than recording cool aerial shots of your vacation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player whose influence spread to country and blues genres, was the first artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, which became instrumental in setting Nashville up as a major country music hub.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 27 May 2025
Conclusion Federal investment in R&D has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the United States’ technological and economic leadership.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Professional unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) are already instrumental in conservation efforts and engineering projects, but even personal use drones do more than recording cool aerial shots of your vacation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instrumental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental
Adjective
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Tailor Your Résumé While certifications are essential, your résumé must reflect a comprehensive picture of your skills and experiences.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Specifically, a waterproof cell phone pouch is essential when enjoying water activities during the summer.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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This creates a fundamental mismatch between the investment horizons of businesses and the timelines on which the industries of the future depend.—
Mary Johnstone-Louis,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Beyond its role in defining styles, the exhibition raised fundamental questions about the relationship between art and industry, the function of ornament, and the need to connect design with social demands.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Nothing of the sort is necessary for Barkov, whose reputation as the best two-way center in the league (at least based on Selke voting) is deserved.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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More than 60% of homeowners in both areas are willing to forgo customization of their new homes if financial compromises are necessary.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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The only active pitchers besides Kershaw considered Hall of Fame locks are Justin Verlander and Scherzer, both hard throwers with the requisite strikeout totals.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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Photographed by Huy Luong The requisite lady of good fortune—here, a family friend endowed with blessings both material and familial—then combed Cheng’s hair with a vintage gold Buccellati comb for extra-lucky combing.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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You will then be asked to provide basic personal information, like your name, age, current address, device location, etc.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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Essentially aiming to be distraction-free communication devices in the most basic sense, these generally have black-and-white matte e-ink screens, good battery life, the ability to call and text, and a couple of standard apps.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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This afternoon a state appellate panel in Albany is hearing a case to reinstate a good government group lawsuit against the state Board of Elections for wrongly allowing new voting machines that dispense with the indispensable needed for a secure franchise: paper ballots.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
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The root often lies in a desire to be liked, helpful or seen as indispensable.—
Diana Lowe,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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The bill will prohibit cell-phone use throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools.—
News Service Of Florida,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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Thirty-two busloads of elementary students from Title 1 schools throughout San Diego County eagerly hopped off buses during the week of May 12-16 to enjoy an enriching, exciting, and totally fun Plant*Grow*Eat morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Farm.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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