INSTRUMENTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

instrumental

adjective

Definition of instrumental

as in essential

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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 instrumental And Thursday night, 32-year-old Ray Kerr made his playoff debut and gave his team 3⅓ scoreless innings as its starter, playing an instrumental role as the Braves locked down a winner-take-all National League Wild Card Series game. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The goal was to recapture the way music was recorded decades ago, bringing musicians together to play live, with large instrumental ensembles that, in some tracks, involved more than 90 musicians. — Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026 No one was more instrumental in the pursuit of Mahomes than Veach. — Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026 Shoshana said those at the center are not opposed to more affordable housing but question why a location that has been instrumental in feeding the arts in Santa Monica is targeted for the build. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

The brand believes that allowing attendees to see, touch and fully appreciate the craftsmanship, materials and details of the garments is essential to convey the full value of the collection.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
For community associations and other property owners, maintaining safe conditions to avoid injuries is essential to satisfying their duty and minimizing exposure to potentially severe financial and legal liabilities.

— Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The 2026 Nobel Prize for Chemistry has been awarded to Henri Kagan of the Universite Paris-Sud, in France, and Kenso Soai of the Tokyo University of Science, in Japan, for their work exploring the fundamental geometry of molecules.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
Unless there's a dramatic fundamental change in the dynamic, Democrats are on pace to capture the Senate and House majorities in November.

— Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Officials have also decided on a general application screening and approval process, including what types of background checks will be necessary and which government agencies should be involved.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Most American universities and colleges desire one or more years of foreign language (Spanish, French, German, etc) from applicants along with the requisite number of core courses (math, science, etc).

— Doug Wojcieszak, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

But the pueblo blanco of Casares makes a good day trip, though meals are on the basic side in the town’s restaurants and cafes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
Saint followed her sister to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in elementary education.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

Meta isn’t alone in trying to convince ordinary people that AI is indispensable.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Cotton farmers represent an indispensable link in the upstream fashion supply chain, cultivating the very crops that make their way into garments spanning seasonality and circumstances, for brands ranging from mass market to luxury.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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