1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
after the long, dreary winter, we welcomed the vital rays of the summer sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vital
One major concern is the weakening of NASA's Technical Authority — a vital internal safety oversight system created after the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster to prevent avoidable accidents, according to the declaration.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 July 2025
England have a number of concerns heading into the game, with Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James all in danger of missing the vital clash after picking up knocks against Sweden.
—Oli Gamp, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Judge halts 'slapdash approach' to erasing HHS web pages
In federal court in Washington, D.C., HHS got into another legal scrape when the advocacy group Doctors for America challenged its decision to take down web pages filled with vital healthcare information.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Starting conversations isn’t just vital for deals to eventually get done; it’s also required to build your understanding of the market and is a critical first step before any successes can be achieved.
—Travis Clinger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 July 2025
England have a number of concerns heading into the game, with Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James all in danger of missing the vital clash after picking up knocks against Sweden.
—Oli Gamp, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Judge halts 'slapdash approach' to erasing HHS web pages
In federal court in Washington, D.C., HHS got into another legal scrape when the advocacy group Doctors for America challenged its decision to take down web pages filled with vital healthcare information.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Starting conversations isn’t just vital for deals to eventually get done; it’s also required to build your understanding of the market and is a critical first step before any successes can be achieved.
—Travis Clinger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
-
Together, the data reveals different layers of the galaxy's structure and energetic processes, highlighted by bright gold light in the image.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
24 July 2025
-
The image of a tiny hamster running endlessly on a spinning wheel has become an iconic part of owning these small, energetic animals.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
In the three years since the playoffs expanded, teams have remained active on the trade market.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
-
VanderWaal has remained active in the fashion week circuit, attending New York Fashion Week in February 2019, Paris Fashion Week in March 2020 and September 2022, and a three-peat at New York Fashion Week in February 2025.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
-
Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The ruling came following a three-day hearing in which experts on both sides testified as to how Black's heart device would react under lethal injection.—
Kelly Puente,
Nashville Tennessean,
19 July 2025
-
Cyanide—painful, lethal, and surprisingly quotidian—was not the only darkroom risk.—
Anika Burgess
July 17,
Literary Hub,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
-
Therefore, long-term planning can play a crucial role in unlocking the financial flexibility that helps to allow retirees to sleep well at night, free from the fear of depleting their nest egg.—
Wes Moss,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Each single-serve stick pack blends easily into water and delivers a clean, low-calorie, zero-sugar formula with a refreshing taste (mango limeade, blood orange, and watermelon).—
Kate Donnelly,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
The best time to visit the park is in spring and early summer, when daytime temperatures are mild and Medano Creek flows with cool, refreshing water.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
The same dynamic plays out in boardrooms where executives protect their analytical reputation instead of building strategic influence.—
John Kania,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Both are Aquarians, which had fans curious about how that dynamic works behind closed doors.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
Visitors are always welcome to join the event for a lively meeting filled with camaraderie, inspiring guest speakers, and a delicious lunch.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share