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 As somebody who has served in ICE and understands the importance of conducting immigration enforcement in as safe and nonpublic way as possible, picking people up from prisons and jails is a huge piece of ICE doing its job well and within reasonable constraints. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026 But his importance to Denver’s offense in 2025 was clear, as the Broncos turned to him as a third option at left guard after backup Matt Peart suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026 In a statement in the police release, Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim gave a warning about the importance of safety in the Alpine area. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 Maintaining the continuity of the Star Wars storyline is of paramount importance to Lucasfilm and Imagineering — to avoid impacting untold stories or tying the hands of future storytellers. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Some researchers have cast doubt on the significance of the study due to its small size.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Rosado is expected to address the significance of the developments for South Florida and the broader region.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The tariffs included a baseline 10% tariff on almost all imports, higher country-specific rates for many trading partners, and additional sector-specific tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
  • The broad range of companies fighting the cost-warping import taxes demonstrates how Trump’s chaotic trade war has disrupted all aspects of the economy, a Texas trade expert says.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The tense music and security cam footage seem to suggest this isn’t over, that Cooper could face consequences for hurting the guy.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Now there is hard evidence this all is getting very real, with consequences for everyone who pays an electric bill.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Also, many of the quakes may be around the same magnitude, geologists said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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