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 All viruses mutate, and most mutations have little consequence. — Star Tribune, "Surveillance system needed to track coronavirus variants," 30 Jan. 2021 On top of that, what consequence does that have on users? — Jason Parham, Wired, "An Internet Without Trump," 22 Jan. 2021 But bitcoin's decentralization also had another consequence that was more subtle yet could turn out to be more important: bitcoin transactions are irreversible. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Want to really understand how bitcoin works? Here’s a gentle primer," 26 Dec. 2020 Perhaps even Operation Warp Speed has had the unintended consequence of decreasing vaccine acceptance in the African American community. — Debra Furr-holden, The Conversation, "What’s not being said about why African Americans need to take the COVID-19 vaccine," 23 Dec. 2020 China’s roaring industrial rebound from the pandemic has an unforeseen consequence -- the surge in power demand has left factories, office buildings and street lights in some areas straining under an electricity shortage. — Bloomberg.com, "China Struggles to Keep the Lights On Amid Sky-High Demand," 22 Dec. 2020 That concern for youngsters’ safety has had the unintended consequence, Dr Nickerson and Dr Solomon suggest, of fewer three-child families. — The Economist, "Children’s car seats Child-safety laws may reduce the birth rate," 28 Nov. 2020 But there were blind spots, too; colourism and a consequence-free rape scene were just two things that left even an impressed viewer feeling a little uncomfortable. — Amanda Kohr, refinery29.com, "Where Were The Queer Relationships In Bridgerton?," 4 Feb. 2021 In the turmoil of 2020, protesters rallied in cities across the country challenging the repetitive cycle of police exercising extreme and deadly force on Black people and then walking away, often with minimal consequence. — NBC News, "The Trump-fueled riot shocked America. To some, it was a long time coming.," 16 Jan. 2021

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.