List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 195

SYNONYMS: importance, consequence, moment, significance, import, weight.
These nouns refer to the state or quality of being significant, influential, or worthy of note or esteem.

Importance is the most general term: The importance of a proper diet in maintaining health should not be disregarded. In this profession, training and experience are of equal importance. Cartoonists are considered by some to be artists of secondary importance.
Consequence is especially applicable to persons or things of notable rank or position (scholars of consequence) and to what is important because of its possible outcome, result, or effect (Changes in the tax law are of consequence to all investors).
Moment implies importance or consequence that is readily apparent: Heads of state are confronted with making decisions of great moment.
Significance and import refer to the quality of something, often not obvious, that gives it special meaning or value: Your vote can be of significance in the election. The works of John Locke are of great social import.
Weight is frequently used when a personal evaluation or judgment of importance is suggested: The popular faction at Rome . . . was led by men of weight.