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 Mathematicians take notice The proof underwent external review by mathematicians who also produced a companion paper explaining the argument and its broader importance. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026 Youth sports in Haiti Haiti’s return to the World Cup has cast a spotlight on the importance of youth sports in a country where athletics are primarily organized through independent academies and clubs like Millet’s Olympique École de Football. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 Istanbul Vita Educates Future Hair Transplant Specialists Today, with the growing importance of professional development programs, authorized training institutions for hair transplantation continue to play an important role. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 May 2026 But my belief in Israel’s central importance to the survival and dignity of the Jewish people remains unshaken. Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • For travelers interested in surrounding themselves with AC nostalgia, Resorts Casino Hotel holds significance as the first legal casino hotel outside Nevada, having opened in the 1970s.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Similar to birth stones and flowers, each month’s herbs hold a special significance—as well as practical benefits.
    Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • China is concerned about dependence on seaborne imports, which account for about 90% of its oil.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 19 May 2026
  • The Bank of Japan was reported to have intervened in currency markets in late March and early April after the yen weakened past the politically sensitive 160 level, as surging oil import costs widened Japan's current account deficit and stoked fears of a depreciation spiral.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Yet, any large-scale damage today would have far greater consequences than in the telegraph age, given the world’s near absolute dependence on data flows through these cables.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • The consequences would not be immediate or automatic.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Anybody would be lucky to be alive from a crash of this magnitude.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
  • Pete has disappeared while trekking a little too far from home before, but nothing to this magnitude.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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