important
adjective
im·por·tant
im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 
especially Southern US and New England -tənt,
-dənt
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.
Harry A. Gailey, Jr.
second and most important, the book contains no important woman character
—F. Scott Fitzgerald
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
Phoebe Hawkins
importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality
—George O'Brien
George O'Brien
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
This historical pattern prompts an important question: could Deere’s current $500 share price potentially fall below $350 if similar market conditions recur?
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
So, being able to see behind the scenes, which many people don’t get to see, was really important to us.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
—Parker Hall, WIRED, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Trefis Team, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
So, being able to see behind the scenes, which many people don’t get to see, was really important to us.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
—Parker Hall, WIRED, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
Articles Related to important
Cite this Entry
“Important.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/important. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
important
adjective
im·por·tant
im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt
-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
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