Definition of consequencenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun consequence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consequence are importance, moment, significance, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When might importance be a better fit than consequence?

Although the words importance and consequence have much in common, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When is moment a more appropriate choice than consequence?

While in some cases nearly identical to consequence, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When is it sensible to use significance instead of consequence?

The words significance and consequence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can weight take the place of consequence?

The words weight and consequence can be used in similar contexts, but weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of consequence One of the most immediate consequences is the cost of fuel and household energy bills. Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026 So lets unpack all the sins and consequences, starting with those tied to the case John just closed. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026 The power of these shows didn’t come from constant intensity but from duration, repetition, and consequences that compounded across seasons, allowing meaning to emerge gradually through accumulation. Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 The consequences of the post-9/11 era did not remain where the wars were fought. Ayman M. Mohyeldin, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • When a close compresses from weeks to days or a forecast updates in hours, finance can operate on current information instead of stale results.
    Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • After the results of a close Marshall City Council race in central Missouri had been certified, Hoskins' office received a complaint about the tallying of write-in votes, recounted them itself and instructed city officials to change the results.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With so many of the buildings downtown with any kind of historic architectural significance already under landmark protections, Berman has shifted his focus to preserving properties with some kind of social importance.
    David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ayari’s importance to Hurzeler is undiminished so far this season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • What might seem arrogance in others feels merely reasonable coming from her.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • By 2030, inference will make up half of all AI compute and 30% to 40% of total data center demand, according to McKinsey.
    Isabel O'Brien,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The efficiency of the underlying hardware suddenly matters more, as does where inference takes place.
    Tiffany Chang, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks to journalists afterward as constructive, frank and useful, but didn’t talk about specific outcomes.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Vasseur did not wish to discuss the possible final 2026 championship outlook, saying his attention was purely on present performance and taking steps; focus on the process, not the outcome.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Even more important, however, is the symbolic significance of Hall agreeing to a contract extension.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • With so many of the buildings downtown with any kind of historic architectural significance already under landmark protections, Berman has shifted his focus to preserving properties with some kind of social importance.
    David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Many Germans had believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its Nazi past through education and laws to outlaw persecution.
    Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Only truly sophisticated taste, in this code, grasps the superiority of deprivation over the more ethnic notions of actual comfort and good food.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From a points deduction to a curdling of promise, bad decisions have been endemic.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • If that were true, and there were actually no strings attached, Centene would even get a charitable deduction.
    Darryll K. Jones, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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