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 Milan Design Week was an important one for Louis Vuitton.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
But considering how important loyalty is to David, could the mere possibility that Shauhin was hiding his non-existent idol be enough to turn the Incredible Bulk around?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Food safety Certain undercooked foods can result in illness, making food safety important for everyone.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Another important theme seems to be that old money is solid, stable, and immune from consequences, but new money can only rise at its own risk.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for important
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
But considering how important loyalty is to David, could the mere possibility that Shauhin was hiding his non-existent idol be enough to turn the Incredible Bulk around?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Food safety Certain undercooked foods can result in illness, making food safety important for everyone.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Another important theme seems to be that old money is solid, stable, and immune from consequences, but new money can only rise at its own risk.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 10 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 23 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share