all-important

adjective

ˌȯl-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt How to pronounce all-important (audio)
Definition of all-importantnext
as in essential
impossible to do without that all-important item for a successful birthday party: a fancily decorated cake with candles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 all-important This is why onboard processing, automation and artificial intelligence are becoming all-important. — Martin Halliwell, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Some omelet pans have a lid to eliminate mistakes in the all-important flipping process. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 That’s the all-important question every sports car fan is asking about Mazda’s most celebrated car. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Denise Larsen had the all-important task of carrying the wine. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for all-important
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all-important
  1. essential
  2. necessary
  3. integral
  4. required
  5. needed
  6. needful
  7. vital
  8. critical
Adjective
  • One of those arrangements just survived Supreme Court review as essential to the integrity of the number.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Rafael Pelli, Pelli’s son and a partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners, told The Art Newspaper that the natural environment surrounding the center was an essential element in its design.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The district court order would still allow below-ground construction or any other measures necessary to protect national security and the president's safety.
    — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Jack Reacher, protagonist of books by Lee Child and an ongoing Amazon drama, has several characteristics integral to his Jack Reacher-ness.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The strong winds not only carry the sensation of discomfort, but also serendipitously become an integral character of the film.
    — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of integral
Adjective
  • What didn’t pan out nearly so well was all the required documentation.
    — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The coalition's suit claims that Watson has not completed the required historical significance report, which could allow a two-year moratorium on potentially tearing down the building to expire in March 2027.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Reliable transportation can make the difference between making a follow-up appointment and delaying needed care.
    — Aimée K. Dailey, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Other research links unfair treatment in healthcare settings to mistrust and going without needed care.
    — Hyojin Im, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of needed
Adjective
  • Her voice is slurred, needful, abject.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
  • That image of God never has a problem, never has a disease, never lacks anything needful or truly desirable, and has never sinned.
    — Douglas Sytsma, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
Definition of needful
Adjective
  • Today, toilets are often considered a vital part of overall bathroom design, with companies like American Standard putting more emphasis on design elements and color options.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, Arteta has admitted that the inclusion of Smith Rowe in the 2020-21 season played a vital role in allowing the fans and the team to click.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of vital
Adjective
  • Howard also claims the judge rushed a critical closed‑door hearing, limiting the defense's ability to prepare.
    — CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Rosalind Franklin captured the critical X-ray diffraction image that proved the double-helix structure of DNA.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of critical

Browse Nearby Words

alligators
all-important
all in
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Cite this Entry

“All-important.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all-important. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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