Synonyms of import

import 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

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

• importance
• significance
• consequence
• magnitude
• gravity
• value
• weight
• moment
• account
• power
• substance
• momentousness
• store
• weightiness
• celebrity
• status
• control
• prominence
• worth
• name
• authority
• eminence
• distinction
• report
• worthiness
• potency
• fame
• note
• preeminence
• dominion
• seriousness
• substantiveness
• mastery
• reputation
• notoriety
• sway
• position
• renown
• prestige
• centrality
• rank
• repute
• greatness
• noteworthiness
• mark
• stature
• standing
• glory
• essentiality
• honor
• cachet
• essentialness
• illustriousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smallness
• insignificance
• triviality
• littleness
• shame
• pettiness
• discredit
• dishonor
• worthlessness
• odium
• disgrace
• ignominy
• puniness
• infamy
• disrepute
• slightness
• opprobrium
• valuelessness
• anonymity
• paltriness
• obscurity

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

• meaning
• content
• sense
• intent
• significance
• intention
• definition
• theme
• drift
• message
• implication
• connotation
• nature
• purport
• stuff
• denotation
• signification
• essence
• indication
• suggestion
• topic
• cue
• subject
• tenor
• acceptance
• burden
• spirit
• hint
• clue
• soul
• motive
• question
• inkling
• matter
• heart
• kernel
• intimation
• nucleus
• core
• bottom
• point
• essentiality
• marrow
• motif
• gist
• acceptation
• quick
• crux
• pith
• nub

import

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpȯrt 

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

• matter
• weigh
• mean
• influence
• carry weight
• cut ice
• count
• affect
• signify
• sway
• concern
• amount (to)
• add up (to)

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

• mean
• signify
• imply
• denote
• intend
• spell
• express
• indicate
• suggest
• infer
• specify
• symbol
• explain
• represent
• mention
• amount (to)
• instance
• touch (on or upon)
• point (to)
• add up (to)
• symbolize
• cite
• refer (to)
• embody
• announce
• hint
• proclaim
• designate
• signal
• personify
• elucidate
• allude (to)
• connote
• declare
• intimate
• insinuate
• advert
• epitomize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of import

Noun

The country also put in place steep import tariffs on items like vodka, artwork and antiques. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

But imports of solar, batteries and EVs have been cushioning the blow. — Julia Simon, NPR, 9 July 2026

Verb

People are questioning why others like Volvo, which is in fact Polestar's sister brand, and Ford Motor, which imports its Lincoln Nautilus from China, have been given the benefit of the doubt in this situation. — New Atlas, 4 July 2026

Stevenson's parlor is King's favorite room, which features the original marble the landlady imported from Italy at the bottom of the fireplace. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026