INSTRUMENTAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

instrumental

adjective

Definition of instrumental

as in essential

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Recent Examples of instrumental As the film progresses and the paths of the three protagonists cross in one way or another, the timbres and instrumental approach also begin to blend. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Artist Peter Nagy, whose Nature Morte gallery was instrumental in bringing contemporary Indian art to the attention of international audiences, died on October 13 in New Delhi following a long illness. — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Oct. 2026 Founded in 1992, the group takes its name from Irène Bizot, former director of France’s Réunion des Musées Nationaux, who was instrumental in its establishment. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Argon has reportedly been instrumental in making YouTube’s comment system more efficient. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instrumental

Adjective

This would be particularly relevant in contested environments where drones can observe roads, locate logistics convoys and attack vehicles carrying ammunition, fuel, food and other essential supplies.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Blaze, previously more peripheral to the adventure, became essential.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The fundamental difference that distinguishes this effective use of airpower lies in the objectives that the enemy was seeking to achieve.

— Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
But many investors remain optimistic in the stock market, as its resilience over the last four years reflects strong fundamental earnings amid the AI build-out — though picking the winners may get trickier.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Officials said no other evacuations were necessary and public safety employees and emergency responders remained on duty.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

Maines’ voice sounds great, and Maguire’s grand viola break after the bridge adds requisite drama.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of requisite

Adjective

The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of elementary

Adjective

For Richardson Electronics, the batteries becoming indispensable components of clean power stations are just one part of a diverse product portfolio.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instrumental

adjective

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