Loading word page…
Updated June 2026
Of great importance or absolutely necessary, especially at a critical moment or in determining an outcome.
“The witness provided crucial evidence that helped solve the case.”
/ˈkruː.ʃəl/
cru·cial
Seven letters with -IAL suffix; contains useful vowels U, I, A
Worth 11 points; the C twice provides good strategic value
Shorter words formed from the letters in “crucial”.
8-letter words you can spell by adding one letter to “crucial”.
Look up crucial in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.

Download Word Challenge for unlimited word puzzles, a fresh Daily Challenge, and head-to-head multiplayer. Guess the hidden word in six tries or fewer!