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 Both emphasized the importance of documenting prompts and maintaining stylistic consistency across teams of freelance AI artists. Kennedy French, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 The importance of song and cultural survival The book of workers’ songs in Yiddish was among the few items Gildenman took with him into the forest. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 Human remains hold profound importance in both Judaism and Islam, which emphasize swift burial and respect for bodies. Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Kotb, Roker, and Casalengo all emphasized the importance of drinking water while fighting jet lag. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Please note that if a mental health condition of significance is truly at hand, relying on AI is not the way to proceed.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Tell me more about the Bay Area’s significance in cocktail history.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The accord will see free trade on almost all goods between the 27 members of the EU and India, covering everything from textiles to medicines and bringing down high import taxes for European wine and cars.
    Rajesh Roy, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • For its part, the EU won’t allow concessional tariffs on imports of Indian sugar, meat, poultry and beef products, officials Indian Trade Ministry officials said.
    Rajesh Roy, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The tense music and security cam footage seem to suggest this isn’t over, that Cooper could face consequences for hurting the guy.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Now there is hard evidence this all is getting very real, with consequences for everyone who pays an electric bill.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, the report says that since 1950, the cumulative impact − which considers increase in numbers, spread and magnitude of impacts − has more than doubled.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Neither, however, faced competition from nomination juggernauts of this magnitude.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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