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 The rest of the platform’s markets have dimmed in importance. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 But the importance of Steve's relationship with Shy is still a focus. Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 The toad, found in the Páramo de Siscunsí, highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Goldman also argued that with all the focus on high-margin AWS in recent months, investors may be overlooking the importance of Amazon's ad business as an additional profit driver through 2028. Kevin Stankiewicz,paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Ellison clearly understands the power and significance of elevating certain stories over others.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Join us as Regina demystifies the journey to holistic health, emphasizing the significance of faith and the fostering of genuine connections.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The rush to move cargo ahead of tariff deadlines led to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s second strongest August in its history across imports and exports, and the port’s overall 2025 volumes are up 4 percent year over year.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • That includes import and export data due on October 7 and, potentially, gross domestic product and inflation data due out at the end of October.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether that fluctuating dynamic between coach and players should have any lasting consequences is a matter for United’s board and owners which, as Amorim referenced in his pre-match press conference, includes the Glazers as well as Ratcliffe.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Doing so could lead to serious consequences, including years in prison, according to Steve Levin, a University of Maryland Carey School of Law professor.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The magnitude of loss can render even the most eloquent voices speechless.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Remember, magnitude is the scale used by astronomers to chart the apparent brightness of an object in the night sky.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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