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 Researchers suggest that low muscle mass could be a contributing factor, highlighting the importance of strength training for overall health. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 The app rollout was the final straw, Vincent said, and a clear lesson in the importance of prioritizing customer experience while growing as a company. John Towfighi, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 As a farmer, Wright noted the importance of addressing issues at the local level to avoid further regulatory. Janean Sorrell, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Satur reflected on the growing importance of Thailand on the world fashion stage, with other Thai stars making the front row during men’s and couture weeks. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for importance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • This documentary traces their journey, centering on the two core members and the significance of embracing one’s uniqueness without shame.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025
  • At the Apple Music press conference, Batiste opened up about the significance of the moment.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Salvini and Vox president Santiago Abascal downplayed Trump’s threat to hike tariffs on European imports, saying that the European Union’s taxes and regulations are a bigger danger to Europe’s prosperity.
    Suman Naishadham, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
  • One of his first acts as president was to dissolve the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, which was established by President Reagan in 1982 to advise on issues of cultural and artistic import.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But in the ever-shifting paradigm of how a movie gets released, sometimes an online platform premiere (and its inevitable possible consequences) is the next best thing to a more traditional word-of-mouth generator like a marketing budget or in-person premiere.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
  • These threats had consequences: according to Republican Senator Mitt Romney, fear of Trump supporters’ violence dissuaded some Republican senators from voting for Trump’s impeachment after the January 6, 2021, attack.
    STEVEN LEVITSKY, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Thirteen of Monday’s quakes registered magnitudes greater than 4, while several more with similar magnitudes struck on Tuesday.
    Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Over the last century, 10 earthquakes with magnitudes of six or larger have occurred within 250 kilometers of Saturday's quake.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near importance

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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