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 The organizing workers would like to assert the importance of the 12-hour guarantee, the representative said. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026 Being aware means understanding the importance of situational awareness. Austin Schutte, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Also of great importance in the finale is the revelation that the Soviets, thanks to the cunning genius of the Chief Designer, made it to Venus after all. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026 Tehran is focused on trying to control shipping through the strait, its key point of leverage and an issue which now arguably outweighs Iran’s nuclear program in importance for both sides. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • This concert will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and already has fans speculating whether Beyoncé might make an appearance given the significance of the date.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • The ceasefire framework explicitly designates Iran and Oman to negotiate the strategic waterway’s future management, giving Araghchi’s visit to Muscat particular significance.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The sheer fact of filming fills a frame, even one composed with quasi-documentary plainness, with a plethora of details of narrative, expressive, aesthetic, intellectual, and historical import.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
  • Trucks were held up in hours of queues in 2021 when Saudi Arabia imposed new restrictions on imports from the UAE, as relations between the leaders of the two countries deteriorated over a dispute about oil production and rising economic rivalry.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • The consequences of those decisions, however, including suspensions, may be modified under Article 27, which FIFA cited in reversing Balogun's ban.
    Connor Greene, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Extreme heat pushes these cool-water species beyond their comfort zone, sometimes with deadly consequences.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Staging an event of this magnitude has required extensive coordination between federal, state, and local authorities.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026
  • That said, the magnitude of impact will always vary by organization and context.
    Frank Carnevale, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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