crucial

[kroo-shuhl]

adjective

1. involving an extremely important decision or result; decisive; critical.

   a crucial experiment.

   Synonyms: significant, essential, vital, momentous

2. severe; trying.

3. of the form of a cross; cross-shaped.

crucial

/ ˈkruːʃəl /

adjective

1. involving a final or supremely important decision or event; decisive; critical

2. informal,  very important

3. slang,  very good

Other Word Forms

• cruciality noun
• crucially adverb
• noncrucial adjective
• noncrucially adverb
• precrucial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucial¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from Latin cruci- (stem of crux cross ( def. ) ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucial¹

C18: from French, from Latin crux _cross

Example Sentences

This insight is crucial for identifying safer areas for technologies such as geothermal energy extraction and underground energy storage.

Read more on Science Daily

In an earnings call last month with Tesla investors, Musk emphasized his work on Tesla’s newest AI chip design and Optimus, saying both were crucial to the company’s future.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He then scored crucial goals in wins against Chelsea, Fulham and Real Madrid and ended the last campaign with nine in all competitions.

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He played a crucial role in building the antiterror policy architecture that has kept the U.S. safe—taking the war to the terrorists overseas, pre-emptive killing of killers, interrogations to yield intelligence, and more.

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The researchers also found that CMX410 can be used safely alongside existing TB drugs, a crucial advantage since treatment typically involves multiple medications taken for several months.

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Related Words

• central 
• compelling 
• deciding 
• decisive 
• essential 
• imperative 
• momentous 
• necessary 
• pivotal 
• pressing 
• touchy 
• urgent 
• vital 

When To Use

What does crucial mean?

Crucial means extremely important or involving an extremely important decision or course of action. Close synonyms are critical and decisive.The word crucial is usually used to describe pivotal moments, choices, or actions that will affect everything that follows, as in We’re at a crucial point in the process—we need to make some big decisions. Sometimes, crucial is simply used to describe something that’s extremely important, as in Getting enough sleep is crucial for staying healthy.  Example: I can’t express how absolutely crucial it is to surround yourself with the right friends.