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
Three Key Lessons: Pareek’s Insights into Innovation Over the course of his career, Pareek has learned many important lessons.
—William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
In the end, the team found an old pizza parlor which doubled up as a gas station, an important location in a show where the protagonists are constantly encountering new people on their journey.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
That figure for American whiskey was reduced to 100% in February 2025, a small move, but an important signal.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Perhaps corner was a more important spot, but Starks is an elite player.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
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William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
In the end, the team found an old pizza parlor which doubled up as a gas station, an important location in a show where the protagonists are constantly encountering new people on their journey.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
That figure for American whiskey was reduced to 100% in February 2025, a small move, but an important signal.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Perhaps corner was a more important spot, but Starks is an elite player.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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