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

But when it's used unintentionally and illicitly, the consequences can be deadly. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Fentanyl Now Officially Causes the Most Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S.," 20 Dec. 2018 For decades, a culture of misogyny has allowed men to act with impunity and without consequence. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "1,600 Men Show Their Support for Christine Blasey Ford in Full-Page New York Times Ad," 26 Sep. 2018 Embarrassing for Snap, but seemingly without major consequences. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Apple crushed Alex Jones — then tossed him a lifeline," 8 Aug. 2018 Freckle tattoos help achieve this without the negative consequences of actually spending time in the sun. — Rose Minutaglio, Harper's BAZAAR, "I Loved Meghan Markle's Freckles So Much I Got Some Tattooed On My Face," 23 July 2018 But the fact that The First Purge fails to address it as a serious concern for women walking the streets on a night where there are no consequences for criminal acts is laughable. — refinery29.com, "How Does The First Purge Deal With Sexual Assault?," 6 July 2018 Maybe a place where the mayor and governor get along in more than one instance—an instance that may have devastating consequences for their constituents. — Lisa Selin Davis, Curbed, "Amazon’s New York City move is bad for the city—and for Amazon’s employees," 20 Nov. 2018 We will be surrounded by the consequences of our actions — thousands of tiny, resistant, evasive cockroaches, bed bugs, lice, houseflies and fleas. — Rob Dunn, Discover Magazine, "Our Attempts to Eradicate Insects are Just Making them Resistant to Pesticides," 16 Nov. 2018 When a good friend becomes at risk of losing his police badge, Danny decides to help him out—but the good deed might have serious consequences, causing Danny to lose his own credentials. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Next Week's 'Blue Bloods' Shows Erin and Frank Reagan Clash in Most Intense Episode Yet," 9 Nov. 2018

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.