► importanthaving a big effect or influence on people or events, or having a lot of value or meaning to someone or something: She asked some important questions. I have an important meeting at work today.
► of great/considerable importance very important: Friends are of great importance to your child’s development.
► crucial very important and necessary, because other things depend on it: The U.S. plays a crucial role in the region.
► key very important and necessary for success or to understand something: Rondo and Garnett are two of the team’s key players.
► vital/essential/critical extremely important and necessary: The information was vital to the success of the battle. It’s essential that you bring water to drink if you are running in the race.
► imperative formal extremely important and needing to be done or dealt with immediately: It is absolutely imperative that we win this game, or we won’t be going to the playoffs.
► major having a very large or important effect, especially when compared to other things: Smoking is a major cause of lung disease.
► significant important and having a strong effect on what happens in the future: The new research is highly significant.
► profound formal having a very strong influence or effect on a situation, especially so that major changes happen: The writer’s experience of war had a profound effect on his work.
► momentous formal a momentous event, change, or decision has a much more important effect on the future than most events, changes, or decisions: The Civil War brought about momentous changes in American society.
► paramount formal more important than anything else: The needs of the customer should be paramount.