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 Several jurisdictions, including Canada, the United States, and the European Union, now classify tungsten as a critical mineral because of its strategic importance and the concentration of global processing capacity. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Yet the stay has enormous practical importance for athletes and their families, especially with the fall 2026 semester about to start at universities across the country. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Melinda French Gates first realized the importance of self-care in early motherhood. Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 This challenging period has highlighted the importance of roster depth, particularly at catcher. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Keep it up Keeping in mind that the Chiefs chose not to play several players of significance in their first preseason game, their two best players were rookie running back Emmett Johnson on offense and safety Jaden Hicks on defense.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Two intense races are at the top of the ticket, and the results will not only hold significance for Georgians at home, but also for Georgia's representation in Congress.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The spat over tariffs isn’t really about taxing $20 billion of Canadian imports.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Most voters — many of whom profess to care oh-so-deeply about issues and matters of great import — don’t even bother tuning in.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For Abrams, a free agent after the 2028 season, the position change comes with financial consequences.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Kyiv officials aim to make the Russian public feel the war’s consequences and pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiating a peace settlement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But the plaintiffs in the case, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, have argued that the administration cannot bypass congressional input for a project of such magnitude — 90,000 square foot.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In some ways, the magnitude of producing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is like televising a Presidential Inauguration that happens every four years.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster