Definition of consequencenext
1
2
3
4

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 The BAFTAs have been happening in London since 1947, and over the decades the red carpet has grown into a stage of real consequence. Alex Badia, Footwear News, 22 Feb. 2026 When that process is interrupted, consequences follow. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026 If the Florida legislation becomes law, analysts, advocates and Democrats warned of negative, disproportionate consequences. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026 For some, the consequences have been significant. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor.
    USA Today staff, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Initial results have been modestly encouraging; interviews with world leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made news and garnered millions of views across The Economist’s social channels, as well as being available in its own app.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings, but several prominent pediatric care centers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, promote early literacy resources to families in recognition of reading’s importance for a child’s development.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The importance of Eglin Air Force Base and the broader military presence in Northwest Florida cannot be overstated.
    Shane Weddle, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Bridgeman doesn’t speak with arrogance but with a calm, aw-shucks confidence.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Chances are, whether that’s empowerment or arrogance depends on your take on Gu’s national representation.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kids ages 5-12 can handle replica artifacts, such as an abacus, armor and lyre, and learn how professional archeologists make inferences.
    Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The analyst also pointed to Nebius’ software as another driver and applauded the company’s AI Cloud offering —designed for large-scale training and workloads — and its Token Factory, which targets production inference and post-training use cases.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Uneven progress is a polite way of saying that not only does California’s achievement gap persist, but the state’s academic outcomes still fall behind those of other states in national testing.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • People can place bets on these platforms on wide-ranging issues such as what words people say at events, the outcome of elections or how much snow will fall in New York City.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As far as the historical significance of the game, the 16-point home defeat was only surpassed (in the Self era) by a 25-point loss to Texas in 2021, 23-point loss to TCU in 2023 and 18-point loss to Kentucky in 2022.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026
  • What is the significance, or importance, of doing this?
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Those who suffer shame as children often cover it up with a false superiority.
    Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The physical superiority of lions over humans has been demonstrated throughout human history—the Romans even exploited it for entertainment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In a February 1994 letter, Ambrose thanked Epstein for the $200,000 donation for the lodge and noted that Epstein could use it for up to two weeks each year and still legally get a full tax deduction for it.
    Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Know whether the tip is voluntary or mandatory The IRS takes the position that a tip must be voluntary to be claimed as a deduction, not required by the employer or establishment, such as an automatic gratuity of 20% on a bill for parties of six or more people.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on consequence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster