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 Government and defense leaders need to sustain support for these programs and justify their importance to the public, even when opposition politicians criticize them. Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 The advice emphasizes the importance of sleep, limited screen time and up-to-date vaccinations, according to a community announcement. Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Jensen Huang has been talking up the importance of fostering a rich open source ecosystem. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 But don’t look to the anti-data center movement as the latest or best example of the importance of local bonds. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The significance of the demonstration lies not simply in the successful release of the weapons, but in the different effects that the three TOLUN variants are designed to deliver.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Luxon, however, downplayed the significance of Kiribati's non-attendance and of Nauru's rare dissent to the clause in the Pacific leaders' end of summit communiqué.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That buffer though isn't without limits, as signs are emerging that China's crude imports may be gradually recovering.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The import option in Google Password Manager will plug in to the new migration system, while export still just creates an unencrypted CSV with your passwords that can be dumped into any app.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Even coaches who aren’t participating in these games understand their consequences.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Fuel prices have surged or supplies have simply disappeared, with consequences rippling through economies.
    Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • An assault of that magnitude would almost certainly trigger a united NATO response.
    Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026
  • On a favorable pass, Tiangong can reach up to about magnitude –2, roughly as bright as Jupiter.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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