CONSEQUENCE Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'consequence' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consequence are importance , moment , significance , and weight . While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects. // the style you choose is of little consequence

Q: When might 'importance' be a better fit than 'consequence'?

Although the words importance and consequence have much in common, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone. // a region with no cities of importance

Q: When is 'moment' a more appropriate choice than 'consequence'?

While in some cases nearly identical to consequence , moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence. // a decision of great moment

Q: When is it sensible to use 'significance' instead of 'consequence'?

The words significance and consequence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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: In what contexts can 'weight' take the place of 'consequence'?

The words weight and consequence can be used in similar contexts, but weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something. // the argument carried no weight with the judge

consequence

noun

ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s

Definition of consequence next

as in result

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause the flood was an inevitable consequence of the prolonged, heavy rains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in importance

the quality or state of being important a mistake that was of no great consequence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogance

an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims a junior executive who strutted around the office with all of the consequence of a peacock in pinstripes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inference

an opinion arrived at through a process of reasoning I am able to deduce several consequences from those premises

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun consequence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consequence are importance, moment, significance, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When might importance be a better fit than consequence?

Although the words importance and consequence have much in common, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When is moment a more appropriate choice than consequence?

While in some cases nearly identical to consequence, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When is it sensible to use significance instead of consequence?

The words significance and consequence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can weight take the place of consequence?

The words weight and consequence can be used in similar contexts, 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 consequence Ahead of the New Year, Newsweek has spoken to two experts to break down some of the reasons for the population decline of one of America's greatest allies, some of its fallout consequences and whether it can be reversed. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 Those consequences include anger and division, but Smick and Douglas are hopeful that the country will come together to resolve its differences, and the film reflects that hope. —

Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024 That can trigger unexpected tax consequences, according to CFP Abrin Berkemeyer, a senior financial advisor with Goodman Financial in Houston. —

Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 Daniel Penny's defense calls lawsuit a distraction as jury mulls Marine vet's fate in manslaughter trial Daniel Penny faces 'far greater' potential consequences in his ongoing criminal trial than anything that might come from a lawsuit by Jordan Neely's family, Fox News' CB Cotton reports. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consequence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence

Noun

The results were nothing short of extraordinary: over 100 million streams were secured using SuperFile’s encryption and tracking capabilities.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
The election results scored a tactical victory for Lombardo, as without coveted two-thirds supermajorities in both legislative chambers, Democrats can’t override his vetoes.

Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024