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 While raising three young daughters — Wyatt, 5, Elliotte, 4, and Bennett, 23 months — and expecting a fourth, the duo emphasized the importance of keeping the spark alive in their relationship. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Zegna acknowledged the importance of being supported by a highly qualified partner such as Al Tayer Group in the United Arab Emirates. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025 Natti — whose last album Nasty Singles dropped in 2023 — says spending so much time with Santos in the studio taught her a lot about the importance of hard work and humility. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025 An aim of the campaign from the center Princess Kate launched in 2021 is to promote the importance of creative play in child development, and the Princess of Wales did just that by drawing with her kids — and George's work left an impression! Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Apple's Long-Term Positioning Against this backdrop, Apple’s investment takes on strategic significance.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • In the book’s strongest moments, Eden gestures toward the political significance of her culinary escapades abroad.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In discussing her practice, the painter speaks almost exclusively about a spiritual import.
    Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Companies with less exposure to imports, like First Solar, were able to expand to fill the void.
    Chris Carosa, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • These would be catastrophic consequences for the United States.
    Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Yet, men who are accused of misconduct rarely face similar consequences.
    Susan Madsen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • What To Know Fonda acknowledged the magnitude of the honor, expressing gratitude to SAG-AFTRA and her peers for the recognition.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And coming back to any profession following a stroke of any magnitude is not easy.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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