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