IMPORTANCES 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

as in significance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 And maybe most surprisingly, good at showing us, once and for all, the profound importance of intention behind our aesthetic choices. — Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 The study described the importance of reducing stigma about cognitive decline, helping people care for their brains to decrease dementia risk and acknowledging the impacts dementia has on families and households. — Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 With a broader vision of beauty, contestants’ personal stories take on fundamental importance when choosing the Miss USA winner. — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 As a nurse, Clancy knew the importance of following providers’ instructions, Sprague argued. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance

Noun

The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of significance

Noun

India's Venezuelan crude imports have risen from zero in March to 383,000 barrels per day so far in August, according to Kpler data.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Between the import increase, the trade war with Canada and the actual war with Iran, White House policies are squeezing ranchers in the lead-up to what is sure to be a challenging fall season.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of import

Noun

My instinct was to try to answer it with rigorous, careful science — and, of course, report from the ground, learning from the people who were living through the consequences.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
There are also unfounded theories about its consequences, which Doricko has spent time on social media trying to debunk.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of consequence

Noun

During the call, Kress clarified further that the magnitude of memory prices led Nvidia to reset expectations, given the higher prices expected next year, said Kress.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
The magnitude of all of Nvidia's financial commitments — from financing to strategic agreements to equity investments — has had Wall Street on edge.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnitude

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“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of importance

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