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 Bajaria was instrumental in the production and rollout of international series like Money Heist and Squid Game — the latter of which became a global phenomenon and boosted subscriptions while also winning the streamer a few Emmys. — Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 Mason added that Litke is among the players who were instrumental in the Panthers’ containment of top running backs such as Lowell’s Tymothy James, Wheeler’s Levi Murray and Calumet’s Bryce Brandon. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Cook has been with David’s Bridal since 2019 and previously was instrumental in large-scale transformations at Continental Airlines and DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 At a time when rock seemed to prize complexity and instrumental display, the Nerves were headed in the opposite direction. — Cary Baker, SPIN, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Beginning in October 2023, the convention center also reportedly implemented additional new bird-safe measures, including closing drapes and blinds overnight and turning off non-essential exterior lights.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

All this is at stake when fundamental science budgets are being drastically cut.

— Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Finally, there’s a fundamental misconception that estate planning is an expensive process that’s necessary only for older and wealthier people.

— Christina Wing, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

The father and son are accused of recycling patients through their facilities to continue billing insurance companies, regardless of whether treatment was medically necessary or actually provided.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
That means no seasoning necessary, rust resistance, and easy cleanup.

— Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

This abuse is hidden and yet often cast as inevitable and unpredictable — a framing that fosters tolerance, alongside the requisite handwringing over severe cases.

— Michele Decker, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
The piece is then securely shipped to AP’s Customer Service facilities, where the maison’s watchmakers examine it and carry out the requisite checks.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of requisite

Adjective

There’s no such thing as a basic room here; even the smallest ones, at 240 to 260 square feet, look out over the bluffs to whitecaps winking in the sun.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
For the new fiscal year, the NSF’s budget is proposed to be cut in half, along with large budget cuts in most areas of basic science, including medical science at the National Institutes of Health.

— Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

For instance, in 1970 the mathematician John Conway introduced the Game of Life, where an elementary set of rules governing the movement of pixels on a screen leads to remarkably rich ecosystems.

— Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
Research from a Texas Christian University professor shows elementary students who get an hour of outdoor play daily perform better in the classroom.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

Thus, if the Dallas Cowboys are a must-buy for NFL advertisers, the SEC is similarly indispensable for marketers looking to make a splash in front of a college football audience.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Among scientists, scholars, and citizens, the term has become indispensable and inescapable.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

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Style

“Instrumental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instrumental. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

Example Sentences

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