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 That will heighten the importance of the next inflation and economic reports, especially those for September just before the Federal Reserve’s October meeting. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 And central to that excitement and importance has been Mark’s writing and criticism. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Ilda Santiago, Rio Fest’s exec director of programing and international projects, stressed the importance of forming a new generation of moviegoers for the festival. — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 There is still importance to a lot of games, but because of football this weekend, this will be my last piece for baseball's regular season. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Jones downplayed the significance of Hamilton's familiarity with Kennesaw State's coaching staff when asked on Tuesday.
    — Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But there’s no hiding from the significance of Saturday’s meeting for USC.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In 2021, prior to import restrictions imposed on Belarus, the United States imported about 700,000 tons of potassium fertilizer from Belarus, accounting for 5% of total imports, according to federal data.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission banned new imports of Chinese humanoid robots and robot dogs over national security concerns.
    — Jennifer Pak, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Despite these benefits, both AI and quantum computing will also have negative consequences for cybersecurity.
    — Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • As in Pachinko, Lee captures the consequences that systemic historical upheavals visit upon private life.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While promoters and venues wield great power over concert tours, experts say an artist of Sheeran's magnitude generally has the final say about what happens concerning the shows.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • However, according to seismic wave data from 2008 to 2025 collected and analyzed by Kim in South Korea and his colleagues in China, the area around Mount Mantap experienced 1,399 earthquakes, with the number and magnitude increasing over time.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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