Synonyms for “Important”
The adjective important has stronger, more precise alternatives depending on whether you mean significant / essential or influential / prominent. Pick the sense below.
Quick answer: the most common synonyms for important are significant, crucial, and essential (significance); and prominent, influential, and leading (of a person or thing).
1. Important as significant or essential (adjective)
Mattering a great deal — as in "an important decision."
Strength: crucial, vital, and paramount are strong; key and major are everyday.
Example: "An important meeting" → "a crucial / pivotal meeting."
2. Important as influential or prominent (adjective)
Having power or high standing — as in "an important figure in politics."
Register: eminent and notable are formal; leading is neutral.
Example: "An important author" → "a prominent / influential author."
Antonyms for “Important”
Another word for "very important"
When you need extra weight, use crucial, vital, paramount, essential, or indispensable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for "important"?
It depends on the meaning. For significance, use crucial or essential. For a person or thing of high standing, use prominent or influential.
What is the opposite of "important"?
The opposites are unimportant, trivial, and insignificant.
What is a stronger word for "important"?
Use crucial, vital, paramount, or indispensable for greater emphasis.