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 And while existing reports do address some of the underlying issues facing Black residents, Robinson stressed the importance of aggregating data specific to Richmond’s Black residents so the city can take a holistic approach to remedying problems and uplifting those struggling most. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 June 2025 While acknowledging the importance of transaction volume, attendance, and press visibility, organizers are taking a broader view of success. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 June 2025 Brady said the smash landing was uncommon, and cited the importance of local first responders in keeping the river free of hazards. Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025 Investors are valuing OpenAI as essential infrastructure (not a startup anymore), considered to be in the same league as cloud computing or semiconductors, highlighting the strategic importance of foundational AI models. Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Several hundred locals gathered outside the property gates on Sunday to protest the detention center and call for the protection of the land, stressing its special significance to Native Americans as well as conservationists, according to member station WGCU.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
  • Jennings said the preservation and rehabilitation of the chapel is crucial due to its historical and architectural significance, and community value.
    Damenica Ellis, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Turkey relies heavily on energy imports, including from Iran, and rising oil prices due to the conflict could aggravate inflation and further strain its troubled economy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • Many have complained that American alternatives for some foreign imports may be unavailable or are too expensive.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The state must swiftly come into compliance with Title IX or face the consequences that follow.
    Ryan Gaydos , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • But appealing to both audiences has led to an unintended consequence: clubs playing in conditions many have never encountered before.
    Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The bill’s magnitude seems to have played a role in the disintegrating relationship between Trump and Elon Musk, who remains the world’s richest man despite seeing his net worth plunge in recent days.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The grand jury was most critical of the four-mile OC Streetcar project and said endeavors of that magnitude need to be better planned and executed to benefit a larger portion of Orange County.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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