Meaning & use
instrumental
Serving as an important means of making something happen; playing a key part in achieving a result.
See it in a sentence
Her mentorship was instrumental in helping him land his first job.
New technology was instrumental in reducing the factory's production costs.
A note on using this word
Instrumental is usually followed by 'in,' as in 'instrumental in achieving,' and emphasizes a causal role rather than mere involvement.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Performed using musical instruments only, without vocals.
The film's soundtrack features a beautiful instrumental piece during the final scene.
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