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 Play to Lead also underscores the importance of access to sports for underserved girls, including girls of color, who are LGBTQ+, and who have disabilities—groups that often face greater barriers to playing sports. —

Allison Torres Burtka, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024 Yet doing so could undermine the importance already attributed to the large gathering of anchors. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 The importance of the vice president's role in certifying the election was also seen when Donald Trump put pressure on his vice president, Mike Pence, not to certify the result of the 2020 election. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Despite the day being of national importance, there’s no federal law that requires a company to allow their employees to take time off to cast their ballots. —

Bychloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for importance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance

Noun

Mexico's obsession with Korean series — and more cultural curiosity While Mickey’s cultural identity is not a focal point, García-Rulfo, who has played his fair share of drug dealers, recognized the significance of his portrayal of a Mexican lawyer.

Max Gao, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
And there’s the historical significance of the candidates themselves: Harris, 60, would be the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as U.S. President.

TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024