importance

noun

im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce importance (audio)
Definition of importancenext
as in significance
the quality or state of being important a final exam has great importance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Ison also emphasizes the importance of trusting the universe. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025 The exhibition will chart the importance of costume design for film narratives. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 2 May 2025 Covid-19 underscored the importance of diagnostics. —Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 During the earnings call on Tuesday, Musk emphasized the importance of humanoid robots to the company’s future plans. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importance
  1. significance
  2. import
  3. consequence
  4. magnitude
Noun
  • The course is all about immersing students into the significance of wine beyond the glass and to view it as an agricultural product that livelihoods rely on; to showcase this, Suckling hones in on the stories and personalities behind some of Tuscany’s iconic vineyards.
    — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The significance of this, to Gribetz, is a matter not of race but of class.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Join 76 others in the comments View Comments Temu says on its website there are no import charges or extra costs on delivery for items purchased from local warehouses.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Tokyo suggested reviewing its non-tariff barriers and expanding imports of U.S. farm products, according to the Nikkei.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
Definition of import
Noun
  • This shift in perception could have long-term consequences for universities, the labor market, and broader economic mobility, especially as alternative pathways like trade schools, online certifications, and direct-to-career programs gain popularity.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Many scams are designed to isolate victims, urging secrecy or fabricating legal consequences to keep them from asking for help.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of consequence
Noun
  • The lower the figure of magnitude, the brighter the star and Sirius is one of only four stars seen from our earthly perspective with a negative magnitude (-1.45).
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The renovation comes after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey in 2023, destroying hundreds of buildings.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of magnitude

Browse Nearby Words

import
importance
important
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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importance. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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