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

China’s exports and imports expanded rapidly in May, topping forecasts as a global investment supercycle in artificial intelligence drives up prices and demand for hardware made by the world’s manufacturing powerhouse. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

One need not reach for Hegel’s infamous formulations to recognize that anti-Black sentiment did not arrive in Germany as an import but, rather, runs deep within German intellectual and cultural history. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Verb

For 2026, the Americans have imported Mauricio Pochettino, a renowned Argentine leader with credentials from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. —Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 7 June 2026

One of the most innovative gangsters of the 20th century, Frank Lucas earned the title of Harlem drug kingpin in the late-‘60s and early-‘70s by importing high-quality heroin from Southeast Asia and selling it under the street name Blue Magic. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026