consequence

noun

con·se·quence | \ ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s

, -kwən(t)s\

Definition of consequence

1 : a conclusion derived through logic : inference … we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.— James Bryant Conant

2 : something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions the economic consequences of the war This refined taste is the consequence of education and habit.— Joshua Reynolds

3a : importance with respect to power to produce an effect a mistake of no consequence a problem of grave international consequence

b : social importance a person of some consequence

4 : the appearance of importance especially : self-importance You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family. … He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house … — Jane Austen

in consequence

: as a result

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about consequence

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Choose the Right Synonym for consequence

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone. a region with no cities of importance consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects. the style you choose is of little consequence moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence. a decision of great moment weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something. the argument carried no weight with the judge significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized. the treaty's significance

Examples of consequence in a Sentence

The slightest error can have serious consequences. What were the economic consequences of the war? The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company. Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement. He weighed the consequences of making a career change. The style you choose is of no consequence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The minority attempted to avoid some of the consequences of that failure by suggesting that the budget should not be funded with money from the budget reserve, but the majority voted down several amendments along those lines. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska House approves capital budget, but not money to pay for it," 13 June 2019 The exit will be slow, but the consequences will be monumental. — Matthew Gault, The New Republic, "The U.S. Government Is Utterly Inept at Keeping Your Data Secure," 12 June 2019 The consequences were so grave, Warriors teammates Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala left the court to ease his path to the locker room. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury: Shock waves hit NBA free agency and beyond," 11 June 2019 The consequences can be dire for children in these situations, because students with home internet consistently score higher in reading, math and science. — Michael Melia, courant.com, "‘Homework gap’ shows millions of students, including those in Hartford’s North End, lack home internet," 10 June 2019 Reneging on our commitments will have dire consequences for our environment and our economy. — V. John White, The Mercury News, "Opinion: Don’t let climate change get in the way of California’s climate goals," 9 June 2019 The instant bite to exposed skin from this past winter’s polar vortex might be a distant memory, but the consequences of the bitter cold are visible in shrubbery and trees throughout Naperville. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "Polar vortex blamed for browning boxwoods and other trees, shrubs," 9 June 2019 Other non-electoral changes in Florida could have consequences for voters, such as the rollout this month of new drivers’ licenses with magnetic strips removed, Peters said. — Mike Schneider, orlandosentinel.com, "Get ready for 2020 presidential election recount, Democrats in Orlando told," 7 June 2019 The consequences of driving without a license in Milwaukee Losing your license can be crippling, Mosley said. — James Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee judges say helping people earn back their driver licenses could cut down on reckless driving," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consequence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.