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 Murthy’s warning appropriately emphasized the importance of limiting alcohol to reduce cancer risk, Rebbeck said. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025 This innovative approach stems from his belief in the importance of form. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025 Talks are scheduled to take place in the coming days, with game time of paramount importance for Philogene during the second half of the season. —

Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 Inflating the importance of parental decisions assumes a degree of control over a child’s environment that is out of step with village life. —

Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for importance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance

Noun

Wallace commented on the significance of focusing on his mental and physical health, aiming to kick off the year on a positive note.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The evolution of that early interest later informed his interest in the physics of flight and the significance of the curvature of a plane’s wings, both of which are key components in the case defending his accomplishments.

Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025