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 No one knows the importance of a comfy travel outfit better than the jetsetter herself, Oprah Winfrey. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026 Sui experts, emphasizing the importance of thorough rinsing. Ana Morales, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026 Ko stresses the importance of following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions exactly. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026 And, as broadcast TV audiences continue to gray, Disney must evaluate the importance of the ABC network, where Iger got his start more than 50 years ago working behind-the-scenes for $150 a week. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • As a true soccer fan, the mayor understands the significance of this moment.
    John Calvelli, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The Factbook also supplied superlatives that trivia buffs could count on, issuing Daily Facts of historical and geographical significance.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Why does a single family dominate the import of agricultural feed?
    Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Operational activities were largely suspended across the port’s three terminals due to the strike escalation, including NCT, General Cargo Berth (GCB) and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), with clearance and shipment of import-export goods backlogged.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The challenge lies in balancing functional benefit with the risk of encouraging unnecessary anthropomorphism and its broader social consequences.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Carlson’s insistence that unrest in cities is the cause rather than the consequence of escalation absolves decision-makers of responsibility for that collapse — and provides a moral rationale for expanding force.
    Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The magnitude of the current AI buildout is unlike any other investment in history.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
  • While all eyes were focused on recent tragic events in Minnesota, another tragedy of immense magnitude has been unfolding in Iran.
    Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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