decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something, of great importance

make or break (something), hang in the balance, nip and tuck

crucial moment, crucial point, crucial test

Formal and Informal Expressions of crucial

In different contexts, you can replace 'crucial' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'critical, vital, decisive' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'key, important, big' is a commonplace synonym.

crucial: Explore its Definition & Usage

crucial Definition

1decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something
2of great importance

Using crucial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "crucial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The next few weeks are going to be crucial for our company.
Example
Good communication is crucial to a healthy relationship.
Example
The evidence was crucial in proving his innocence.
Example
The team's performance will be crucial to their chances of winning.

crucial Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for crucial

Antonyms for crucial

Idioms Using crucial

make or break (something)
to cause something to either succeed or fail, often used to describe a crucial moment or decision
Example
The upcoming negotiations will make or break the deal.
hang in the balance
to be in a state of uncertainty or indecision, often used to describe a crucial situation where the outcome is uncertain
Example
The fate of the project hangs in the balance as we wait for the results of the funding application.
nip and tuck
a situation where the outcome is very close and could go either way, often used to describe a crucial competition or election
Example
The race was nip and tuck right up until the finish line.

Phrases with crucial

crucial moment
a moment that is decisive or critical in determining the outcome of something
Example
The goal he scored was at a crucial moment in the game.
crucial point
a point in an argument or discussion that is decisive or critical in determining the outcome
Example
The crucial point in the debate was when the candidate was asked about their stance on climate change.
crucial test
a test that is decisive or critical in determining the success or failure of something
Example
The final exam is a crucial test for the students' understanding of the subject.

Origins of crucial

from Latin 'crux', meaning 'cross'

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Summary: crucial in Brief

The term 'crucial' [ˈkruːʃ(ə)l] refers to something that is decisive or critical, often in determining the success or failure of something. It can also denote great importance, as in 'Good communication is crucial to a healthy relationship.' 'Crucial' extends into phrases like 'crucial moment,' and idioms like 'make or break (something),' denoting a pivotal moment, and 'hang in the balance,' implying uncertainty.