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
  • The encouragement to speak openly carried additional significance in an industry where women's stories have historically received less attention than those of their male counterparts.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • For years, fans have wondered about the significance of the 21st of September — and why White wanted listeners to remember it.
    Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Brazil, facing mounting economic pressure from the United States, is fast-tracking a decade-old legislative proposal to block imports of goods made with forced, compulsory or child labor.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
  • These tariffs are expected to take effect after a temporary 10% import tax expires next month.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The decision was partially reversed, with the troops redirected to Poland, but the episode illustrated what diplomats describe as the real security consequences of embarrassing or crossing the president.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 14 June 2026
  • Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, says the current outbreak shows what consequences of that narrower focus have been and why rarer Ebola species cannot be ignored.
    Paul Adepoju, Scientific American, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Of course, they won’t all be realized, but the magnitude of the problem is clear.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
  • While that was the priority, Jacobson says the magnitude of the loss remained present and continues to this day.
    Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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