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 While progressive candidates such as Kiros have found success challenging the Democratic establishment from the left, Powell's win illustrates the importance of appealing to voters in districts where neither party can take victory for granted. — Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026 Just as the team needs to move past a loss, Maiava understands the importance of looking beyond arguably the team’s best win of the season and remaining focused on the present. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026 The drama has become a cautionary tale about national security, AI management, White House protocols, and the importance of corporate oversight. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Nov. 2026 While the run game has become the identity of the Panthers offense, head coach Willie Simmons emphasized the importance of getting Kohl in rhythm early on Saturday. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Highway 50 among persistent collision hotspots The findings have particular significance for the capital region, where Highway 50 connects growing foothill suburbs to Sacramento.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • That final trek on the road still carries a deep amount of significance for Manzanera.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • True to classic Japanese utility imports, the steering wheel is on the right side of the cab.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
  • In September, as a 50 percent tariff and then an outright import ban closed in, Canadian whisky lost more than 15,000 cases of sales from a year earlier in the 18 states where government agencies control liquor sales.
    — Lars Hanson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The data — provided by Eric Eager, then with PFF — has proven extending a three-point lead to six points late in the fourth quarter has more consequences than advantages.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This is the extraordinary rise of one company that refused to play by the rules and set out on a path of ambition, risk and consequence.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Not since the aftermath of Watergate in 1974 had the GOP faced a statehouse reckoning of this magnitude, according to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Outnumbered two-to-one and outspent by many magnitudes more, the election plunges California Republicans deeper into the political wilderness.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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