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 Williams emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency supplies like flashlights, working batteries, first-aid kits, and non-perishable food on hand in every home in the event of an unexpected problem. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026 Developers often neglect the importance of building a proper supporting infrastructure. Arthur Azizov, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 In the six months since his hiring, Stefanski has hammered away at the Falcons about the importance of details and accountability, wide receiver Drake London said. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Our sons, who are also fathers, celebrate with their own families but don’t seem to recognize the holiday’s importance to me. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The significance lies less in the sum stolen than in the nature of the failure.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Its mission takes on a special significance during July, which is Disability Pride Month.
    Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said that European countries are more focused on addressing specific strategic segments and Chinese industrial policies than broadly inhibiting Chinese imports.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Representatives for agricultural groups argued at committee hearings last month that banning the chemicals was an overreach that would result in higher numbers of imports of food from other states and stifle innovation in developing new pesticides.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • The family is split for good — the consequences on people are just enormous.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And this killing could potentially have far-reaching consequences.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Good luck drawing a crowd of that magnitude every other week via one of the digital upstarts.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026
  • Desperate struggles against the encroaching elements become a brief interlude before the situation unravels into a disaster of a different magnitude.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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