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 But there is one exception, a scene whose dramatic importance is reflected in a startling inventiveness of composition, and whose stylistic finesse provides a clue about where Aster’s emotional investment lies. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025 The first lady has maintained a lowkey schedule during her husband's second term, sticking to a lighter calendar that reflects issues of pressing importance to her personal agenda. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 Developing financial intimacy with friends is lower stakes than with a romantic partner, but that shouldn’t discount its importance. Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 Carmel sophomore libero Beca Arreola has learned the importance of perseverance. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The significance of this was that, according to reports in The Times, Soriot had privately discussed moving the primary listing of AZ, the biggest company in the FTSE-100, to New York.
    Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The position holds personal significance for Malle, given Bergen's memorable guest role as Enid Frick, the fictional editor-in-chief of Vogue, in seasons 4, 5 and 6 of Sex and the City.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, only 18% of Russian trade now uses the dollar or euro as of December, down from 87% and 67% of imports and exports, respectively in early 2022.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Commission was swayed by Clattenburg’s expertise, saying that his view of the incidents was of greater import than Jackson’s.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The decisions ultimately have dire consequences for both the erstwhile pals and everyone else living on Inisherin.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But the then-21-year-old soon felt the consequences of his overnight fame.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the magnitude of the moment is unmistakable.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It still too soon to determine the exact location/magnitude of potential impacts from Kiko.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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