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 company’s growing reliance on Chinese suppliers for robotics components further reinforces the strategic importance of the region. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026 But Disney’s Bob Iger learned the hard way the importance of giving successors a clean slate. Diane Brady, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 Yom HaShoah serves as a reminder to honor these survivors and the importance of sharing their stories. Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 What sets Fatih apart is not only his commitment to facts and data, but his ability to anticipate new challenges while emphasizing the importance of abundant energy for development in the Global South and the need to address energy’s role in climate change. Jason Bordoff, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Yet Monday’s flyby — the first time humans had reached the moon since 1972 — held emotional significance for the crew and space enthusiasts beyond the mission’s technical objectives.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The true significance of Pakistan's intervention only became clear when both sides agreed to a pause shortly after a down-to-the-wire plea from the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif.
    Betsy Joles, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • India holds no meaningful strategic LPG reserves and stockpiles held by refiners and distributors could cover only two to three weeks of demand if imports stall, Dasgupta said.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Investment in renewable power and battery storage — designed to save energy when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing — is expected to increase in nations heavily dependent on energy imports, including European countries, according to the credit rating firm Fitch Ratings.
    Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • No one else had to live under the shadow of its consequences.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Working families on Staten Island are already feeling the consequences.
    Nicole Malliotakis, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The sheer magnitude of her work comes vividly alive in the exhibition.
    Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • For many athletes, an injury of this magnitude could lead them down a dark path of regret, anger and even self-loathing, but with help from his village at TCU, Ibukun-Okeyode was able to forge his own path.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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