1
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind
a man who remained vital well into his 90s
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2
as in active
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the child is vital and active again after being sick
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3
as in essential
impossible to do without
I forgot one vital ingredient, and now the biscuits taste strange
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4
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
received a vital wound in the abdomen
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5
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
a matter that is vital to our national security
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vital
Renowned for his intelligence, tenacity, and forechecking, Bob played a vital role in Stanley Cup championships in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967 — including scoring the Game Three double-overtime game-winner in the 1967 Final.
—
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The Screen Actors Guild Awards may have a new name, but their importance in the Oscar race is as vital as ever.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
All four have options, which is vital for finishing 162 games.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Russia has in recent years sought to strengthen its political ties with African countries and gain access to the continent’s vital minerals after Western nations imposed sanctions in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
—semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
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Whether that’s stand in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it.—
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The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.—
Adjective
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Highly active world Enceladus is a highly active world, with a global, salty sub-surface ocean, believed to be the source of its heat.—
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During inquiries, the ICO found 178 active email accounts using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organization’s IT desk when the account was activated.—
Adjective
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The brain is composed mainly of fat, including omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol, which are essential for maintaining brain cell structure and function.—
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That’s why investing in a plush, comfortable duvet insert or comforter is essential for creating a cozy oasis to start the new year off well-rested.—
Adjective
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The blackout slashed internet access to a fraction of normal levels on the 13th day of the protests as rights groups, including Amensty International, accused the regime of using lethal force against protesters.—
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An 11-week-old baby died in 2024 in Lakewood because a bottle of baby formula fed to him was contaminated with lethal amounts of methamphetamine.—
Adjective
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Features such as grab bars, curbless showers, shower benches, barrier-free entries and wider doors provide crucial safety benefits without sacrificing luxury.—
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On a crucial third-and-10 just inside field goal range, Beck was confident with his pass to Marion to get well within range.—
Adjective
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If refreshing your home is a goal for 2026, consider soft pieces that make your space feel extra cozy during winter.—
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When paired with the refreshing quiet of the desert, the setting is truly a respite from daily stressors.—
Adjective
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Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.—
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The 53-year-old Mladenov has long been involved in Middle Eastern politics with solid expertise in the region’s dynamic developments.—
Adjective
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Chabada For a livelier scene, head to the main drag along Platja de l’Arenal to find Chabada.—
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The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements.—
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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