Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Important” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
Mattering a lot or having a strong effect on something.
Meaning of Important
Having great significance, weight, or consequence.
How to Pronounce Important
IPA: /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/ Stress: oOo
The stress is on the second syllable: im-POR-tant. The final syllable is very short.
5 Synonyms for Important — Words Similar to Important
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
essential
/ɪˈsenʃəl/So important that it cannot be ignored; needed for something to work properly.
Example: Water is essential for all living things on Earth.
vital
/ˈvaɪtəl/So important that something cannot work or survive without it.
Example: Sleep is vital for good health and concentration.
key
/kiː/A small metal object that you use to open and close locks on doors and other things.
Example: I lost my house key yesterday and had to call a locksmith.
Smart Synonyms for Important — When to Use Each
crucial
when something is critical for success
essential
when something cannot be done without
Antonyms of Important — Opposite Words
How to Use Important and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- Sleep is important for health and well-being. A2
- It is important to arrive on time for interviews. A1
- The conference revealed important findings about climate trends. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Important
What is another word for "important"?
Common synonyms for "important" include: significant, crucial, essential, vital, key.
What can I say instead of "important"?
Try one of these alternatives: significant, crucial, essential, vital, key. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "important" formal or informal?
"important" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "important" instead of "significant"?
Use "important" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "significant" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "important"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "important" include: unimportant, trivial, insignificant.