importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce importance (audio)
especially Southern US and New England -tən(t)s, 
-dən(t)s
Synonyms of importance
1
a
: the quality or state of being important : consequence
took a position of some importance
b
: an important aspect or bearing : significance
an event of great importance in history
2
obsolete : import, meaning
3
obsolete : importunity
4
obsolete : a weighty matter

Synonyms of importance

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importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance 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

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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

Examples of importance in a Sentence

The teacher lectured the students on the importance of mutual respect. He exaggerated the importance of his role in the rescue mission. The negotiations have taken on added importance in the wake of the bomb attack. a matter of little importance
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For me, as well as many other critics, Lee Krasner is one of the significant painters of the twentieth century—an artist whose importance is only now beginning to be seen. — Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 Millions of dollars are being spent, continuing a recent trend in Montana and elsewhere and underscoring the elevated importance of top state judicial offices. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Researchers Are the Bosses Now Sapire pointed to the importance of research. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Without a federal push for regulation, evaluators have taken on outsized importance. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for importance

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of importance was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing importance

Rhymes for importance

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Browse Nearby Words

importable
importance
importancy
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Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/importance. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

importance

noun
im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce importance (audio)
-ən(t)s
: the quality or state of being important
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