IMPORT Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

import 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpȯrt

Definition of import

as in importance

the quality or state of being important I can't overemphasize the import of this examination on your future academic career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in meaning

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action didn't understand all the technical jargon, but got the general import of the speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

import

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpȯrt

as in to matter

to be of importance it imports little whether you like Grandma's gift; you should have graciously thanked her

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to mean

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the word "freedom" can import different things to different people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of import

Noun

Antimony remains one of America’s most import-dependent strategic minerals. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783, the son of a stern Scottish immigrant who ran a tidy import business selling wine, sugar, and hardware. — Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

During China’s first export boom, Chinese factories often imported parts, assembled the finished product and shipped it abroad. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Specialised cleaning agents imported from Western suppliers are also reportedly required for some engine-maintenance operations. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for import

Recent Examples of Synonyms for import

Noun

Thanks to my friends’ beloved babies and the perks of my job—which have included putting together a list of essential children’s books—I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reading with children.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Fame was of prime importance to the ancient Greeks, and Wilson is the rare classical scholar who has firsthand knowledge of a public life.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of importance

Verb

This matters to Warsh because Korea’s sizable, open economy often serves as an early-warning system for global inflection points.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Kelly said Markey’s push for greater regulation of data centers matters more to him than the senator’s awkward answer about AI.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of matter

Verb

Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.

— Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of mean

Noun

The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of significance

Noun

As for Apple, Amazon and Sony, all three companies have strong technology businesses in addition to theatrical and streaming content, which may align nicely with Imax's tech-heavy business.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of content

Verb

The decision also signified the end of Adam’s time on the Northwestern.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026
This theory gained more popularity after Swift was spotted out in London last month, debuting a fresh haircut which has historically signified a new era in the Taylor Swift Cinematic Universe.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of signify

Cite this Entry

Style

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/import. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of import

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on import

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes