import
13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for import, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale.
“Tea is a major import in many countries with cold climates.”
bring in
introduce
ship in
source
importation
importancy
importance
meaning
purport
significance
tenor
weight
Opposites
How to use import
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
import goods
import duty
import a file
Etymology
From Latin importo ("bring in from abroad"), from in- ("into") + porto ("to carry").
Full origin of import →Frequently asked questions
What does “import” mean?
The word “import” means a product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale. In plain terms, to bring something in from outside — whether goods from another country or data into a computer file.
How do you pronounce “import”?
“Import” is pronounced IHM-pawt (/ˈɪm.pɔɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “import” in a sentence?
Here is “import” used in a sentence: “Cheap imports from overseas undercut local manufacturers.”
What is another word for “import”?
Words with a similar meaning to “import” include importancy, importance, meaning, purport, significance and tenor.
What is the opposite of “import”?
The opposite of “import” — its antonyms — are export and insignificance.
What part of speech is “import”?
Depending on how it is used, “import” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “import” come from?
The word “import” comes from Latin. From Latin importo ("bring in from abroad"), from in- ("into") + porto ("to carry").
Is “import” a common word?
“Import” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an import and an export?
An import is a product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale, while an export is a good sent out of a country to be sold elsewhere. The two terms describe opposite directions of the same trade flow.
How does the pronunciation of import change between the noun and the verb?
As a noun meaning goods brought in, import is usually stressed on the first syllable (IM-port). As a verb meaning to bring goods in, the stress typically shifts to the second syllable (im-PORT).
When should you use import instead of buy?
Use import when the emphasis is on goods crossing a national border into a country from abroad, especially for sale or trade. Buy is a general term for any purchase and carries no sense of international movement.
