CONSEQUENCE Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'consequence' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consequence are importance , moment , significance , and weight . While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects. // the style you choose is of little consequence

Q: When might 'importance' be a better fit than 'consequence'?

Although the words importance and consequence have much in common, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone. // a region with no cities of importance

Q: When is 'moment' a more appropriate choice than 'consequence'?

While in some cases nearly identical to consequence , moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence. // a decision of great moment

Q: When is it sensible to use 'significance' instead of 'consequence'?

The words significance and consequence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: In what contexts can 'weight' take the place of 'consequence'?

The words weight and consequence can be used in similar contexts, but weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something. // the argument carried no weight with the judge

consequence

noun

ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s

Definition of consequence next

as in result

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause the flood was an inevitable consequence of the prolonged, heavy rains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in importance

the quality or state of being important a mistake that was of no great consequence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogance

an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims a junior executive who strutted around the office with all of the consequence of a peacock in pinstripes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inference

an opinion arrived at through a process of reasoning I am able to deduce several consequences from those premises

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun consequence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consequence are importance, moment, significance, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When might importance be a better fit than consequence?

Although the words importance and consequence have much in common, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When is moment a more appropriate choice than consequence?

While in some cases nearly identical to consequence, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When is it sensible to use significance instead of consequence?

The words significance and consequence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can weight take the place of consequence?

The words weight and consequence can be used in similar contexts, 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 consequence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has overseen a military campaign that has had catastrophic consequences not only for the people of Gaza but for his own people as well. —

Mike Quigley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 The outbreak has also had significant economic consequence. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 These disruptions are associated with many negative health consequences. —

Mackenzie Gamble, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025 Foolish politicians and their harmful policies have far-reaching consequences. —

Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for consequence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence

Noun

Power rankings: How do all 32 teams stand following the result of Super Bowl 59?

— Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Such naked ambition in the executive branch is also the result of a dysfunctional Congress, along with bad faith efforts to ignore the judiciary.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025