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
Given how coveted full-backs are, this is an important move from Barca to tie down one of their most consistent performers.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Another important sensorial element of the Maelys Get-Taut Body Firming & Hydrating Mousse-to-Oil is the fragrance.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
This is especially important when searching for DIY craft templates or patterns, as some templates will only send as a digital file, rather than a physical product in the mail.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
Rest and recovery: Muscles need rest to grow, so recovery and sleep are important to building more muscle.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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Pol Ballús, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Another important sensorial element of the Maelys Get-Taut Body Firming & Hydrating Mousse-to-Oil is the fragrance.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
This is especially important when searching for DIY craft templates or patterns, as some templates will only send as a digital file, rather than a physical product in the mail.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
Rest and recovery: Muscles need rest to grow, so recovery and sleep are important to building more muscle.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
Cite this Entry
“Important.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/important. Accessed 6 Aug. 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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