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 government has previously stressed the importance of building data center infrastructure to compete on a global level in AI development. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025 The importance of a strong defensive midfielder was clear to see last season when Manchester City fell out of the title race once Rodri had suffered a serious knee injury, although Gravenberch’s emergence in the role remains one of Slot’s great coaching success stories. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Huizenga frequently posts about the health effects athletes face, weight loss methods and medications and the importance of maintaining a fit lifestyle. Caroline Blair, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 At Sarajevo, Kremser and Peter talked to THR about what went into making White Snail, representing depression and suicidal thoughts on screen, and the importance of images and metaphors in the film. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Still, the significance of overcoming Senegal cannot be overstated.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • That’s pretty much what breaking is, in terms of the dance and the historical significance of this dance.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Navigating challenging issues like trade disagreements and Russian oil imports demand hard dialogue, but difficult conversations are often the sign of a deepening partnership.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The duties, which impose a 50% charge on imports, will include more than 400 additional product categories, such as fire extinguishers, machinery and construction materials.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One consequence of tight monetary policy tends to be a slowing economy and a cooler labor market.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Northridge Mall's closure has unintended consequences on food access This campaign is personal for Anyia Griggs, 27, AART’s canvass manager.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The magnitude was originally reported as 2.7 but later downgraded to 2.6.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • But failure rarely belongs solely to one person — especially failure of this magnitude.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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