importance

noun

im·por·tance | \im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s,

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

In a year full of highly visible controversies and creator burnout, one of the biggest conversations YouTubers are having among themselves is about the importance of having the right sort of support network. — Patricia Hernandez, The Verge, "Meet the babysitter who helps Logan Paul stay out of trouble on YouTube," 3 Dec. 2018 Stargirl is a book about the importance of being yourself. — Emily Ables, Seventeen, "17 Books Every Girl Should Read Before She's 17," 25 July 2018 The Action Fund, which officially launched late last year in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a $25 million dollar multi-year initiative aimed at preserving historic sites of African American importance. — Essence.com, "16 Black Landmarks Will Be Given New Life With $1M In Funding From The National Trust For Historic Preservation," 6 July 2018 Whitaker stressed the importance of supporting chronically absent children and their families and not depicting them as being a problem. — Jess Nocera, Howard County Times, "Howard school absentee rate is lowest in Maryland," 22 June 2018 Social media users can help spread the word about the importance of aquatic invasive species prevention by posting photos and messages using #CleanBoatsCleanWaters. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Landing Blitz' strives to reduce spread of aquatic invasive species," 18 June 2018 Senator Kamala Harris spoke of the importance of coming together and unity, which was amplified by the evening’s special guest, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was greeted with a standing ovation and countless iPhone photos. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards Were a Stylish Celebration of Female Empowerment," 13 Nov. 2018 Getting my account up to speed became of paramount importance. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "Now that the crowd is here, the fun can begin in MapleStory 2," 4 Nov. 2018 Of equal importance is technique, but even that is ageless. — Isabelle Kohn, Harper's BAZAAR, "For the Best Sex of Your Life—Ask Old People," 17 Oct. 2018

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.