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 Southerners know the importance of hospitality—but in today’s world, carving out intentional spaces sans technology may be the new hallmark of gracious living. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025 Hinsdale students were among winners of Metra’s 18th annual Safety Contest, in which students across the Chicago area used their creativity to educate the public about the importance of being safe around railroad tracks and crossings. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 Simkins stressed the importance to his business of events abroad like the Expo Real Estate Argentina in Buenos Aires this August. Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Advocates came forward to argue for improvements to car seat design and to raise public awareness about the importance of child safety seats. Time, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • In the wake of the loss, the new album’s significance in her life has grown stronger.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In October, the city’s Historic Preservation Commission recommended the City Council deny the more recent request for a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the Judge Barry House, based on findings about the building’s significance and architecture.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Across the economy, there is evidence that import taxes are raising prices and slowing growth.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The tariffs would go into effect 21 days after the signing of the order, meaning that both India and Russia might have time to negotiate with the administration on the import taxes.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The consequences are easy to spot: • Technology is being deployed faster than teams can adapt.
    Erik Greenstein, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • These consequences, Singer believes, include deterring certain organizations and future city councils from wanting to do business with one another.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Newsweek's report on Wednesday noted that a recent 5.8 magnitude tremor had also struck the region.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Still, a deal of this magnitude and structure is certainly one to watch.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Jeff Marks, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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