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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 Critics argue that applying this rule to bitcoin undermines its principles of privacy and financial freedom, while also introducing new risks and unintended consequences. Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 The researchers focused on children in particular, because kids are especially vulnerable to the health consequences of lead exposure. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 In Kenya, India, Brazil and dozens of other countries, snakes vie for the same land, water and sometimes food as people, with devastating consequences. Brian Otieno, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 But some farms list the chemical in their monthly pesticide use reports to the state without any apparent consequence, Paige reports. Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consequence 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • Her ability to bridge abstract artistic concepts with engineering principles sets Clone’s designs apart: the result is a robot that not only performs human-like actions but also does so with an elegance that enhances its usability and approachability.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Milanović won more than 74% of the vote compared with his challenger, Dragan Primorac, who received nearly 26%, according to the results released by Croatia’s state election authorities after more than 99% of the ballots were counted.
    Saša Kavić, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Garcia emphasizes the importance of donating new clothing, rather than second-hand items, as many fire victims still need to dress for work or meetings with insurance companies.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Research published in 2010 in Self and Identity notes the importance of self-compassion.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s Comments About The Panama Canal Trump remarked that the United States should regain control of the Panama Canal, a statement that evoked arrogance and colonialism in the past.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The historical 'attitude' (arrogance) in his acting has fueled MAGA, and his endorsements of Trump are undeniably overbearing and irrational.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The company focused on memory’s role in AI training and inference.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The next chip, projected to hit the market in 2027, will be an energy-saving processor specialized for AI inference.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The best possible outcome is a public unmasking of his motives.
    Paul Hockenos, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Every owner should thank the players, regardless of the outcome.
    James Boyd, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Absolute Dominion takes place In the year 2063 AD, when the world faces catastrophe as zealots and extremists wage a global holy war in the name of spiritual superiority.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The dominant view in Washington argues for peace through strength, that only clear military superiority can deter China’s ambitions to subsume Taiwan and exert dominance across the Indo-Pacific.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There’s an easy answer to that: limit the deduction to the $200,000 for joint filers as proposed by Lawler (or some similar number), which would help regular people, or just put a means test in place, say restricting the deduction to people with incomes under $500,000 or $1 million.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The values of the deductions correspond to the severity of the error.
    Tess DeMeyer, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near consequence

Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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