import 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
Definition of importnext
1
as in importance
the quality or state of being important I can't overemphasize the import of this examination on your future academic career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meaning
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action didn't understand all the technical jargon, but got the general import of the speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

import

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
1
as in to matter
to be of importance it imports little whether you like Grandma's gift; you should have graciously thanked her

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to mean
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the word "freedom" can import different things to different people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 import
Noun
Canada currently allows a set amount of dairy imports at low tariffs. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The statute allows the president to impose import restrictions when the Commerce Secretary stipulates that certain imports threaten national security. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
It’s been possible to buy Fairphones in the US before, but they were imported through other companies. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 Despite their importance, the US is dependent on foreign supply chains, importing 25 percent of its finished steel and over 90 percent of its high-purity iron, primarily from China. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for import
Recent Examples of Synonyms for import
  1. importance
  2. meaning
  3. matter
  4. mean
  5. significance
  6. content
  7. weigh
  8. signify
Noun
  • Hispanic and African American households also collectively drive more than a third (36 percent) of TikTok Shop’s beauty spending — which highlights the importance of diverse products and paying attention to a range of multicultural audiences.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The district set its screen time use targets for elementary and middle school students, but did not set a target for high school students, noting the importance of digital literacy skills as students prepare for college or careers.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Instructors say in these classes, these new drivers will go over depth perception, the rules of the road, sign meanings, speed limits, what happens when you get pulled over, emergency situations, and how to be a good defensive driver.
    — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But that would be hollow without the sense that the characters’ emotions, and therefore our emotions, are real—that the story, though it might have been born from metaphor, has literal, intrinsic meaning.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of meaning
Verb
  • New York’s actions are a clear statement that due process still matters and children deserve a fair hearing before life-altering decisions are made about their futures.
    — Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • These results matter because karst landscapes like the one beneath State College are widespread.
    — Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • That means scanning a 2D barcode can link you to an instruction manual, food allergens, coupons, show you what farm the product came from and whether the package is recyclable.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the Gen4 car is also wider and longer than its predecessor, this, along with its formidable top speed, means FE has altered its calendar to include more permanent race tracks.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • Keep it up Keeping in mind that the Chiefs chose not to play several players of significance in their first preseason game, their two best players were rookie running back Emmett Johnson on offense and safety Jaden Hicks on defense.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Two intense races are at the top of the ticket, and the results will not only hold significance for Georgians at home, but also for Georgia's representation in Congress.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Mandee Tauber is a hairstylist and principal artist of global content at Oribe.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Internally at the studios, copyright divisions spend their energy targeting larger criminal operations enabling these digital pirates — the hives sharing and disseminating premium content.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of content
Verb
  • For the fifth consecutive year, The Athletic has ranked the head coaches of the Football Bowl Subdivision into eight tiers, weighing everything from resume to resources to longevity and more.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • California lawmakers are weighing whether to take action after videos surfaced showing an electric-shock glove that may soon be used as part of federal immigration enforcement.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of weigh
Verb
  • Marks and Spencer's Pantheon renovation signifies a substantial investment in physical retail, rolling out new design concepts.
    — Catherine Erdly, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The clash signifies a significant break in the relationship between Smith and the NABJ, which hosted Smith and live broadcasts of his show at its 2024 and 2025 conventions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of signify

Browse Nearby Words

imponderable
import
importance
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Cite this Entry

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/import. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on import

Nglish: Translation of import for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about import

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