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 The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned, and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 17 June 2026 The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. Arkansas Online, 17 June 2026 The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned. Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Meanwhile, starter Noah Schulltz, who is out with right knee patellar tendinitis, began a rehab stint Tuesday at Charlotte, along with catcher Kyle Teel, whose importance can’t be understated. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • In Juneteenth traditions, the color red holds historical significance.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Haiti vs Brazil, more than a soccer game Despite the final result, the significance of the match extended beyond soccer.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Local deployment of renewables in Asian countries could have a resounding effect on import/export payments by reducing the enormous costs of importing oil and gas.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Trade import data showed the goods are being or are likely to be imported into the United States, the agency added.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Two wars in as many years with Israel — both launched on other’s behalf but with outsized consequences borne here — have resulted in thousands of dead, a million-plus displacement crisis and the leveling and occupation of wide swaths of the country.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • This is a direct consequence of one of the transformer architecture’s defining attributes.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The abnormal frequency of tornado outbreaks means some Illinoisans are facing a natural disaster of this magnitude for the first time.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • That is when the United States duels Australia on Friday in a World Cup match hyped by a budding rivalry, next-phase magnitude, and home-field aura.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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