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 Looking toward the future of Korean content globally, Seo emphasized the importance of genre diversity while maintaining quality. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025 Clarke Schmidt, a 29-year-old righty who was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, out of South Carolina in 2017, was slated to hold down the back end of the Yankees rotation — though his importance was elevated after two other crucial injuries to Yankees starters. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 According to Whiting, the games’ importance cannot be separated from the period of Sakoku, or feudal isolation, which had ended less than 50 years prior. Jamie Barton, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025 Tips for finding shelter during a tornado The NWS emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to stay safe during a tornado. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The award signaled the significance of Apple TV+ as a business.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Those three words — Neptune enters Aries — aren’t big enough to explain this significance.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Maeda himself was inspired to come to America by two more of the most successful Japanese imports.
    Jamie Barton, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Both nations also account for 70% of the imports of two key home construction materials: lumber and gypsum.
    Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Research shows that narcissistic employees are more likely to behave unethically, potentially leading to legal consequences.
    Jonathan Gay, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And while the outcome could have far-reaching consequences, Hanni and the girls are choosing not to worry about what those might be right now.
    Chad de Guzman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The top-heavy magnitude of their payroll could become problematic this offseason.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The last time there was an order of this magnitude was the Edward Snowden revelations, when The Guardian revealed that the FBI had asked Verizon for the call details records for incoming and outgoing calls in the United States.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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