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 In the 1953 steel-seizure case, Jackson concluded with a warning about the importance of parliamentary deliberation to check a tyrannical executive. Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026 And blockbuster content continues to grow in importance across the ecosystem. Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026 Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings, but several prominent pediatric care centers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, promote early literacy resources to families in recognition of reading's importance for a child's development. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 Checking the temperature is of utmost importance, since the meat is very lean and will be unpleasantly dry if overcooked. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • War in Iran has increased the significance of the Druzhba oil pipeline from Russia, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The broader significance of this product lies in its potential to reduce reliance on very large battery packs — a major cost and weight factor in electric cars — by offering a flexible way to extend driving range when required.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For the past 60 years, Cuba has been dependent for oil imports from, first, the Soviet Union, and later from Venezuela.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, temporary import duties are capped at 15% and can run for up to 150 days, unless Congress votes to keep them in place for another 150 days.
    Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Instead of focusing on teacher pay, classroom resources, or working conditions, the FEA pushed a partisan political protest that could saddle students with disciplinary consequences on their permanent records.
    Anastasios Kamoutsas, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
  • With tensions escalating, attention has shifted back to the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption would have immediate and outsized consequences for global oil and LNG flows.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Total lunar eclipses with magnitudes only slightly above 1 tend to appear lighter copper or reddish in tone rather than a very dark crimson, because the moon does not travel deeply through the shadow.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Benji discusses the potential magnitude of Team Mexico winning the tournament.
    SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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