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

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 In a post-debate interview, Levy, the Texas AFL-CIO president, said that by agreeing to the three-way faceoff, the candidates recognized labor’s importance to the Texas Democratic constituency. Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 The message that ran throughout the show was of the importance of the moment. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024 Having a baby is a crash course in the importance of reframing expectations. Pauline Chalamet, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024 In his acceptance speech, Bailey spoke about the importance of seeing LGBTQ+ love stories on-screen. Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for importance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
Noun
  • Guests can learn about the architectural and cultural significance of these landmark destinations while enjoying modern-day comforts, blending history with indulgence.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Michigan’s position as a key international border state often flies under the radar in broader political conversations, but its significance can’t be understated.
    Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • On the campaign trail, Trump proposed raising duties on imports from China by as much as 50%, while adding duties of 10% to 20% against products from the rest of the world.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Musk and Tesla also stand to gain hugely from Biden policies that Trump will likely leave in place or strengthen - like steep trade barriers blocking imports of Chinese EVs, including a 100% tariff.
    Jarrett Renshaw, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • If this data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be devastating.
    Vivek Ahuja, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Although the potential consequences are uncertain, the tariffs, which are a tax on goods that are imported, will likely hurt countries in Asia that rely on sales to the United States to boost their economies.
    Rosa de Acosta, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The uncertainty of the magnitude of tit-for-tat tariffs adds further uncertainty to the global economic outlook.
    London Business School, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This follows a powerful geomagnetic storm in May — the first to reach a G4 magnitude since 2005 — which made the aurora visible across all of the contiguous United States, extending as far south as Central Texas.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near importance

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on importance

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