Instrumental — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl/ in·stru·men·tal

Meaning & Definition of Instrumental

Instrumental (adjective)

  1. serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool
  2. of, relating to, or done with an instrument or tool
  3. relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument

Instrumental (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in necessary, essential

    similar: essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite, basic, elementary, fundamental, pressing, urgent, decisive, life-and-death, weighty, critical, crucial, key, pivotal, vital
    opposite: inconsequential, insignificant, minor, trivial, unimportant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instrumental

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instrumental:

essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite, basic, elementary, fundamental, pressing, urgent, decisive, life-and-death, weighty, critical, crucial, key, pivotal, vital

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Instrumental

Words with the opposite meaning of Instrumental:

inconsequential, insignificant, minor, trivial, unimportant

Word Forms of Instrumental

Derived words: instrumental (noun), instrumentally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Instrumental

First known use: 1616

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Instrumental

Frequently Asked Questions about Instrumental

What does "Instrumental" mean?

"Instrumental" means serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool. As an adjective, it is defined as: serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool.

What is another word for "Instrumental"?

Other words for "Instrumental" include essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite, basic, elementary, fundamental and pressing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instrumental" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instrumental"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instrumental". Common alternatives include essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite, basic, elementary, fundamental, pressing, urgent and decisive.

What is the opposite of "Instrumental"?

Antonyms of "Instrumental" include inconsequential, insignificant, minor, trivial and unimportant.

Is "Instrumental" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instrumental" is an adjective.

Is "Instrumental" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Instrumental" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Instrumental"?

"Instrumental" is pronounced /ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl/ and divided into syllables as in·stru·men·tal.

What is the origin of the word "Instrumental"?

First known use: 1616.