important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio)
 especially Southern US and New England  -tənt,
-dənt
Synonyms of importantnext
1
: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship
2
: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance
3
obsolete : importunate, urgent
Importantly vs. Important: Usage Guide

A number of commentators have objected to importantly as a sentence modifier (the use defined above at sense 1) and have recommended important instead. Actually, both the adverb and the adjective are in reputable standard use in this function. Important is always used with more or most.

had bronze weapons and composite bows; more important, they utilized the horse and war chariot —Harry A. Gailey, Jr.
second and most important, the book contains no important woman character —F. Scott Fitzgerald

Importantly is commonly used in similar contexts, but it is somewhat more flexible in not requiring more or most.

sticks and, just as importantly, unsticks easily —Phoebe Hawkins
importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality —George O'Brien

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of important in a Sentence

Diet and exercise are important for health. In his editorial, he made several important points. Scientists have made an important discovery. Doing her job well is important to her. He's one of the most important scholars in his field.
Recent Examples on the Web That wasn’t important to Moriarty and his students. —Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024 The moves come as anime has become an increasingly important genre in domestic theaters, which are looking for alternative programming amid a slowdown in studio films due to last year’s labor strikes. —Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for important 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'important.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English importante, from Medieval Latin important-, importans, present participle of importare to signify — more at import entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of important was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing important

Dictionary Entries Near important

importancy

important

importantly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Important.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/important. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

important

adjective
im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio)
-ənt
1
: having great meaning or influence : significant
an important day to remember
our most important product
an important change
2
: having power or authority
an important leader
3
: believing or acting as if one's importance is greater than it really is
importantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on important

Nglish: Translation of important for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of important for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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