If you’re looking to change up your vocabulary by using some different words that mean the same thing as the word important, then you’re in the right place!
Since you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably in the editing phase of whatever you’re writing. As you edit, a great way to sharpen your writing is to keep an eye out for words you may have inadvertently overused. Among the words that writers typically over rely on, particularly in academic writing, is the word important.
How commonly overused is important? Well, I’ll go ahead and admit to you now that I caught myself writing then deleting it twice already in this article. We can certainly classify it in the category of word crutches–adjectives that we rely on heavily enough that they feel overused and not fresh or compelling.
The interesting thing about the word important is that the more you use it, the less important it becomes. In other words, if everything is important, is anything important?
If you find yourself leaning too heavily on the word important, try replacing it with another adjective with a similar meaning. This will help to make your writing more interesting, and in turn, stronger and more memorable. Below are 50 synonyms for the word important to try out in your writing.
50 Synonyms for Important
- Big–large, great
- Bottom line–a deciding, crucial factor
- Considerable–worthy of respect and attention
- Consequential–of significance
- Critical–involving skillful judgment
- Crucial–involving an important decision or result
- Decisive–commanding, indisputable, definite
- Demanding–requiring intensive attention or effort
- Determining–definitive, conclusive
- Earnest–demanding or receiving serious attention
- Earth-shattering–momentous
- Esteemed–acclaimed, prominent
- Essential–absolutely necessary, indispensable
- Extensive–comprehensive, thorough
- Exceptional–excellent, superior
- Exigent–urgent, pressing
- Far-reaching–extending far in influence
- Foremost–first in rank
- Front-page–of major importance, headline news
- Great–considerable in degree, power, or intensity
- High-priority–crucial
- Historic–well-known in history
- Imperative–unavoidable, absolutely necessary
- Influential–prominent, having great influence
- Key–essential, central
- Large–extensive, broad, on a great scale
- Life-and-death–very high stakes, possibly ending in death
- Major–great in size or extent
- Meaningful–full of significance or purpose
- Momentous–meaningful, fateful, of great consequence
- Necessary–essential, indispensable
- Notable–worthy of notice
- Of note–well known
- Of substance–substantial, solid character
- Paramount–superior in power, preeminent
- Pivotal–central, vital
- Pressing–urgent, demanding immediate attention
- Primary–chief, first in rank of importance
- Principal–foremost, highest in value
- Prominent–leading, well known
- Relevant–pertinent, applicable
- Serious–weighty, requiring thought
- Significant–deserving of attention, of consequence
- Standout–superior to others
- Superior–higher in station, rank, or degree
- Useful–of practical use, serving a purpose
- Urgent–requiring immediate attention
- Valid–effective, authoritative
- Vital–indispensable, necessary to life
- Weighty–exerting influence or power
Susan is an English educator, editor, and writer who has enjoyed working within these fields since 2004. Her experience includes teaching at the high school and adult continuing education levels, and writing and editing for multiple regional publications, including Wrightsville Beach Magazine and Encore Magazine. Today she is a copywriter and editor for CastleBranch Inc., as well as editor in chief for the company’s internal e-magazine. A Southern transplant who moved from Ohio to North Carolina, she has embraced the word “y’all” and can tell you how she likes her grits. Check out her official website.
