Definition of importancenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun importance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of importance are consequence, moment, significance, and weight. While all these words 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

When can consequence be used instead of importance?

The words consequence and importance can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

In what contexts can moment take the place of importance?

The words moment and importance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When would significance be a good substitute for importance?

While the synonyms significance and importance are close in meaning, 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

When is weight a more appropriate choice than importance?

The synonyms weight and importance are sometimes interchangeable, 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 importance In the storied halls of the New York Public Library, Queen Camilla championed the importance of reading, highlighting how books have the power to bring people across the world together. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 The experience leaves both men with a big impression on the importance of life. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026 Game 6 is set for puck drop in Philadelphia on Wednesday night, and there’s no need to explain the importance for both sides. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 One such is unfolding in Princeton, New Jersey, with special importance this year. Jon Meacham, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Totem poles, after all, marked sites of significance.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Nearby, a group of friends dressed up for a different aspect of the day’s significance.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Trump had used the act to plaster taxes on imports with eager abandon.
    Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Experts have repeatedly sounded the alarm on Vantara's massive animal intake, including the import of critically endangered and rare species.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • To what extent and with what consequence depends on the funding source.
    Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
  • Here, the conservative justices have taken it upon themselves not just to interpret the law but to rewrite it to their own specifications, with consequences that will only come into full focus over the next several months and years.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • These are the kinds of performances a team needs to pull off an upset of the magnitude that the Wolves just pulled off.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Due to such factors, the MDH could not determine the apparent miscount’s magnitude.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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