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 Fort Worth is at a crucial moment for growth and opportunity, Parker said, stressing the importance of leading with smart policies that ensure the city thrives into the future. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025 What To Know In a letter to Rubio on May 7, lawmakers stressed the importance of expanding the State Department's 2024 pilot program, which allowed certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without leaving the country. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Valli remains adamant about the importance of fashion as escapism. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2025 McGrath emphasized the importance of constantly scanning the environment and not clinging too tightly to existing business models. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Against that backdrop, Monday’s meeting has taken on a heightened significance.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • As the president of World-Voices Organization, Washington also emphasizes the significance of community, especially at a time when many voice actors and creatives feel isolated or vulnerable.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Trade Truce Helped The Market Rally On Monday, the White House announced a 90-day suspension on new tariffs targeting Chinese imports.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The largest decrease in imports is projected for Pakistan (-800,000 bales to 5.0 million).
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The Drumbeat Continues High prices have consequences beyond individual patients.
    David Armstrong, ProPublica, 8 May 2025
  • Here's Which Borrowers Aren't Impacted Previously capped at 10 percent during the Biden administration to prevent financial hardship, the reinstated policy could have severe consequences for retirees and disabled individuals who depend heavily on their benefits.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Recent data underscores the magnitude of the challenge.
    Masha Sedova, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Flares of this magnitude are uncommon, the service added.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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