IMPORTANCE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

importance

noun

im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s

Definition of importance next

as in significance

the quality or state of being important a final exam has great importance

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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

Examples 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 emphasis on family as their top priority and driving motivation underscores the importance of familial bonds and cultural heritage, adding depth and authenticity to the story. —

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 The importance of age as a powerful marker of authority — a principle that derives from the influence of Confucianism in Korean society — is vividly on display as junior officers and rank-and-file soldiers are caught, sometimes tragically, between these concepts and their duty to the nation. —

Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 Spanning Syria's largest province, Homs shares borders with Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, underscoring its geopolitical importance. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 In a joint Zoom interview in November, both Guadagnino and Craig downplayed the importance of Lee’s queerness, which came as a surprise given the film’s title, for one thing. —

Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for importance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance

Noun

Aside from the military significance of Russia's all but imminent pullback from the region, the financial blow to Russia is massive.

Daniel Markind, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The paper casts new light on the enigmatic significance of the monument in prehistoric Britain.

Newsweek, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024