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 To protect businesses and their reputation among customers, Fipps emphasized the importance of thoughtfully building oversight into AI strategy. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 Her work recognizes the essential role of caregivers and the importance of supporting those who support everyone else. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Duplan is currently working on his first EP, Room Tone, which is being designed as a series to reinforce Duplan’s music and the importance of the unique elements of each room. — William Jones, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 The Scott River, as well as the nearby Shasta River, are two of the most heavily regulated rivers in the state because of their importance for salmon. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The remark underscores the central significance of Serra’s text—of language—to the content of Shift.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For Meyer, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and grew up on the Westside, reopening in the Palisades also carried personal significance.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The White House banned imports of some Canadian vehicles, dairy and alcohol products on Tuesday.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, entrepreneurs on the island fear the new restriction will further complicate paying for imports and hamper growth.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After all, if the ultimate goal of a central bank is to regulate the temperature of an economy by changing the cost of credit, then the fact that credit is increasingly extended by the bond market rather than banks inevitably has consequences.
    — Robin Wigglesworth, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The statement pushed back on the suggestion that those involved in the incident faced few consequences at the time, revealing that the university’s Title IX proceedings resulted in a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After Tesla’s deliveries report on Friday, analysts at Cantor emphasized the magnitude of the opportunity.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • That hasn’t made investment any less attractive, as sports teams have tended to regularly outperform the stock market by several degrees of magnitude.
    — Alex Volonte, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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