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 Most small business owners understand the importance of getting insurance. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Cohen said taking the American atelier’s techniques and pushing them forward was of the utmost importance, also seen through a great selection of sculptural leather layers. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 The Hearthland gift from Steven and Kate is a reflection of that importance, and an inspiration for others. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 News outlets will still make their own race calls, including the AP, but the reliance on the data is notable given the importance placed on the media’s role in declaring a winner. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The technology’s significance extends beyond completing individual development milestones.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Opel/Stellantis GM walked away from Opel in 2017 and American buyers rarely get a taste of modern Opel products, but the STX has significance for the broader global market.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The federal government was preparing to change its rules on low-value imports, threatening her ability to purchase cheaper prescription medications for blood thinning and heart failure from Canada.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There are also significant caveats related to Trump’s central selling point to Americans — that the deal will bring a gusher of low-cost oil imports.
    — Cate Brown, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The question also has consequences for the quest to unify quantum mechanics with general relativity.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But local governments should not be forced to shoulder the public-safety consequences of decisions made in Sacramento without adequate transparency and accountability.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The magnitude of the devastation is made personal for all of us.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • According to the research team, small tracking errors may still occur, but the method establishes mathematical bounds on their magnitude.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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