1. Of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis
   "a crucial moment in his career";
   - important
    
2. Having essential relevance
   "crucial to the case"
    
3. Of the greatest importance
   "crucial information";
   - all-important, essential, of the essence
    
4. [slang] Of the highest quality, skill, etc.; very good or impressive
   "a crucial reporter";
   - ace [informal], A-one [informal], crack [informal], first-rate, super, tiptop, topnotch [informal], top-notch [informal], tops [informal], A1 [informal], top-class, gnarly [N. Amer, informal], excellent, first-class, fantabulous [informal], splendid, ripping [Brit, archaic, informal], mean [informal], outstanding, lush [Brit, informal], brilliant, beezer [UK, archaic], stellar [informal], awesome [informal], top-drawer, dope [N. Amer, informal], socko [N. Amer, informal], righteous [US, slang], fab [Brit, informal], rad [N. Amer, slang], radical [N. Amer, slang], nang [Brit, slang], phat [slang], legit [US, slang], awesomesauce [informal], amazeballs [informal], beaut [Austral, NZ, informal], lit [US, slang], storming [Brit, informal], blinding [Brit, slang], stonking [Brit, informal], brill [Brit, informal], wicked [slang], cushty [Brit, informal], def [slang], magic [Brit, slang], smokin' [slang], smoking [slang], sick [N. Amer, slang]

See also: climacteric, critical, decisive, essential, imperative, important, life-and-death, life-or-death, material, of import, paramount, pivotal, polar, super-duper [informal], superior

Antonym: noncrucial

Encyclopedia: Crucial