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

Examples of importance in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Officials stressed the importance of biosecurity measures by backyard farm operations, as well as commercial farmers. Tina Reed, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 While some professionals recommend installing cameras, recording unusual sounds, and adding pendulums to monitor frequencies, Ross Allison of Advance Ghost Hunters of Seattle Tacoma emphasizes the importance of journaling. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 As Fortune surveyed the startup landscape for the second annual Cyber 60 list, in partnership with Lightspeed Venture Partners, the growing importance of cybersecurity within the startup and venture scene was more noticeable than ever. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 Many experts also speak on the importance of adapting quickly to the new local time zone. Brook Choulet, M.d., Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for importance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The significance of mobile gaming, which comprises half of the global video game market, shouldn’t be ignored either.
    Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
  • When the topic shifted to relationships, the women candidly shared their thoughts on red flags and the significance of girl code.
    Essence, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Tariff hikes could backfire Trump has proposed sweeping tariffs of up to 20% on all $3 trillion of US imports.
    Matt Egan, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
  • On October 16, 2023— World Food Day— President Bio unveiled Feed Salone, a sweeping plan to reduce Sierra Leone’s reliance on foreign food imports, tackle malnutrition, bolster resilience to climate change, and uplift rural communities across the country.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Failure to take cybersecurity seriously could lead to dire economic and reputational consequences and negatively impact the lives of millions of users.
    Earl Carr, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Speculation has been growing over leaks on the (ISS), with reports in the media suggesting that astronauts may have to evacuate or face dire consequences.
    Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The magnitude of the losses in those Big Tech companies dragged down the Nasdaq Composite, which fell 2.76%.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Gold purchases by central banks in developing countries have remained the primary force driving prices, but the magnitude of their stockpiling suggests intentions beyond merely hedging against geopolitical risk.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near importance

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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