importance

im·por·tance | \ im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s

How to pronounce importance (audio)

, especially Southern US and New England -tən(t)s, -dən(t)s \

Definition of importance

1a : the quality or state of being important : consequence

b : an important aspect or bearing : significance

2 obsolete : import, meaning

3 obsolete : importunity

4 obsolete : a weighty matter

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

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Choose the Right Synonym for importance

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 importance in a Sentence

The teacher lectured the students on the importance of mutual respect. He exaggerated the importance of his role in the rescue mission. The negotiations have taken on added importance in the wake of the bomb attack. a matter of little importance

Recent Examples on the Web The employees’ health as well as the citizens’ health are of first and foremost importance. — Christopher Harress | Charress@al.com, al, "Prichard suspends garbage collection after employee tests positive for COVID-19," 22 May 2020 Everyone values these categories differently, and apply them in different orders of importance on a player-to-player basis. — Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Pistons' Isiah Thomas ranked way too low in ESPN's NBA all-time player ranking," 20 May 2020 The pandemic is occasioning a reassessment of the fundamental importance of fandom to sports. — Danny Chau, The Atlantic, "Athletes During the Pandemic Are Learning What Fans Have Always Known," 20 May 2020 The coronavirus lockdown has reminded me of the importance of pointing out when—and why—government gets it right. — Kimberley A. Strassel, WSJ, "One of America’s Remotest States Makes Remote Learning Work," 15 May 2020 With all but two of his 16 employees having been with him for more than 11 years, Martinez says that maintaining his team was of the utmost importance for him. — Eliza Huber, refinery29.com, "As Colorado Reopens, One Boutique Owner Is Nervous — But Prepared," 8 May 2020 Crises like Covid-19 are stark reminders of the importance of making such preparations. — Priscilla Chan And Sam Hawgood, STAT, "Striking down DACA would eliminate thousands of health care workers, thwarting America’s pandemic response," 1 May 2020 The safety and well-being of our retail partners and shoppers is of the utmost importance. — Madison Iszler, ExpressNews.com, "With masks and Lysol cans, stores and malls in San Antonio prepare to reopen Friday," 30 Apr. 2020 Hygiene is of course of utmost importance right now. — Alia Akkam, SELF, "What It’s Like to Bartend at the ‘World’s Best Bar’ During the Pandemic," 27 Apr. 2020

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

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Last Updated

26 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/importance. Accessed 5 Jun. 2020.

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