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 This highlights the importance of understanding and complying with local regulations when using AI dashcams. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025 Hotz said taking care of the district’s buildings is also of utmost importance to be proactive and avoid bigger and more costly repairs being needed in the future. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 Animal welfare is of utmost importance, and Reindeer Manor maintains good living conditions for the on-site reindeer and huskies. Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025 The builder of the applet has seeded into the applet the whole contrivance about the importance of video game playing. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • The Levi Strauss Museum takes visitors through Strauss’ journey, from his birth to his immigration to the U.S. Floors are dedicated to the history of jeans, featuring rare piece, and highlight the garment’s socio-cultural significance.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Colossal is leaning into the pop culture significance of its invention, including setting up the pups for a photo shoot on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, courtesy of Peter Jackson.
    Adam Carlson, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This response comes after the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU in March.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Trump announced a 90-day pause on countries that have not retaliated, temporarily lowering the high tariffs on nearly all trading partners to a baseline 10%, while raising the tax rate on imports from China, which had retaliated with tit-for-tat hikes on U.S. imports, to 125%.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The consequences are disproportionately worse for families experiencing poverty that often lack the resources to help children catch up.
    Beth Swanson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • For taxpayers who owe money, the consequences of a late filing can be costly, with steep monthly charges and daily interest accruals that quickly add up.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Homeschool Act has garnered national media attention due to the magnitude of the ...
    James R. Mason, National Review, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Thousands of buildings were toppled by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that also resulted in damage to roads.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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