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 One misconception about enterprise AI is that autonomy reduces people’s importance. — Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 To that end, Radytė emphasizes the importance of comfort, ease of use, and the dual-region stimulation, as well as a growing body of research in women specifically using the Samphire device. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026 In Greece, students and teachers gathered in central Athens on Thursday to stress the importance of free public education and protest the rising housing and food costs affecting students. — Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026 Daiane Sodré, fashion model and Delivering Good brand ambassador, helped set the tone for the evening through a moving video spotlighting the importance of providing confidence, hope and opportunity to those facing hardship. — David Moin, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Once a site on the Tentative List is formally nominated, independent advisory bodies assess its significance and conservation measures.
    — Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Donalds, who turned 48 last week, has said he would be humbled by the historical significance of becoming the first Black governor of Florida and of the former Confederate South in more than 150 years.
    — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Beijing has hosted a flurry of global leaders this year, while major economies have struggled to slow a surge of imports from China.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • On top of the 3-euro duty that was tacked onto low-value shipments on July 1, the EU imposed a new 2-euro handling fee on e-commerce imports from outside the bloc on Sunday.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The data — provided by Eric Eager, then with PFF — has proven extending a three-point lead to six points late in the fourth quarter has more consequences than advantages.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This is the extraordinary rise of one company that refused to play by the rules and set out on a path of ambition, risk and consequence.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Not since the aftermath of Watergate in 1974 had the GOP faced a statehouse reckoning of this magnitude, according to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Outnumbered two-to-one and outspent by many magnitudes more, the election plunges California Republicans deeper into the political wilderness.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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