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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 Two Prosecutors centers on a law school grad who tries as a young prosecutor takes on corruption in the Soviet system and winds up facing the consequences. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025 But his threats alone dangerously erode the set of assumptions about behavior, restraint, and consequences that uphold the prohibition on conquest. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Closing the Strait of Hormuz One option that would have massive global consequences would be to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which more than 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies pass daily. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025 No one mentioned the potential for serious consequences or that fatty liver could be reversed if caught early. Susan Horava, Health, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • The result is a versatile cooker for waffles, pancakes, meat, veggies, and kinda whatever.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • The result is abundant natural light and views of the grounds beyond the home.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Powell, whose term as Fed chair ends on May 15, 2026, also sought to underline the importance of insulating central bankers from political pressure.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Borden also underscores the importance of collaborative engagements between technology providers and regulators, stressing the necessity of responsible AI frameworks to ensure secure, compliant deployments.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This silliness, the silliness of his arrogance, was actually funny to me.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • On the dark side, however, Mercury in Leo can spark moments of arrogance and stubbornness.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • This efficiency reduces inference latency by 2.2-2.5x compared to larger models like Alibaba’s Qwen3-A22B, according to posts on X and Tencent’s technical reports.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The clear inference is that Nike didn’t want to establish a precedent for other women athletes in its stable.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s a direct hit to educational outcomes and to the state’s long-term financial stability.
    Dr. Ara J. Baghdasarian, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The outcome is a setback as Senate Republicans hoped to get votes underway by week’s end to meet Trump’s Fourth of July deadline for passage.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Several hundred locals gathered outside the property gates on Sunday to protest the detention center and call for the protection of the land, stressing its special significance to Native Americans as well as conservationists, according to member station WGCU.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
  • Jennings said the preservation and rehabilitation of the chapel is crucial due to its historical and architectural significance, and community value.
    Damenica Ellis, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet as more data has emerged demonstrating the safety or even superiority of AI for some tasks, those views are likely changing.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Red Bull enjoyed a period of superiority since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022, thanks to the aerodynamic expertise of the team's former chief technical officer, Adrian Newey.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The Senate version of the bill would also permanently extend and modify the depreciation deduction for businesses.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Other tax cuts, credits and gifts In addition to extending the tax cuts from the 2017 tax bill, the House version would give people who live in high-tax states such as California, New York and New Jersey a bigger income tax deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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