all-important

adjective

all-im·​por·​tant ˌȯl-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 

-tənt

: of very great or greatest importance

an all-important question

Synonyms of all-important

• essential
• necessary
• integral
• required
• needed
• needful
• vital
• critical
• crucial

Examples of all-important in a Sentence

that all-important item for a successful birthday party: a fancily decorated cake with candles

Recent Examples on the Web

At any rate, there’s little chance Apple would name Cook’s successor before the all-important holiday season is in the books. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

Need for clarity The fog around the case only serves to feed tensions in Europe at a time when unity against Russia, and an unpredictable ally in the US, is all-important. —Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025

And, of course, Spelling's partner in the all-important storyline was Brian Austin Green, who played Donna's longtime boyfriend David Silver. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025

The beauty floor of the Macy’s Herald Square flagship, a landmarked building, has completed its first round of renovations, with the latter set to resume following the all-important holiday season. —James Manso, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-important

• unimportant
• important

Kids Definition

all-important

adjective

all-im·​por·​tant

ˌȯ-lim-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt, 

-ənt

: of very great importance

an all-important question