Definition of consequencenext
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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

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 consequence The consequences of Russian strikes are aggravated in many urban areas by reliance on centralized heating systems, a legacy of the Soviet era. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026 Infliction of pain and suffering as a consequence for a person’s actions impedes health brain development through the release of stress hormones, research shows. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026 Because those services were voluntary, however, parents often skipped or refused the services, and faced little consequence from the child welfare department. Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 Watching sports organizations minimize the existence and consequences of CTE is even more difficult. Eleanor M. Perfetto, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • Substitutions will always be scrutinised by supporters when results go badly.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Gary gets jealous about his brother’s backflips and tries to outdo him with increasingly tragic (and funny) results.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Van Der Beek spoke with USA TODAY in August 2025 about the importance of catching it early.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The collaboration between Fincantieri and Generative Bionics also holds strategic importance in strengthening European technological sovereignty by drawing on expertise developed across research institutions and the advanced industrial supply chain.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.
    Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Eventually, Menard said, Crusoe envisions having lots of smaller data centers, focused on inference, that will be spread around the country, putting them closer to end users and improving latency.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Quantitative disciplines such as biostatistics, epidemiology, and data science, together with the practical disciplines of clinical trials and outcomes research, enable much more reliable inference about cause and effect.
    Robert M. Califf, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But even more people avoid the worst outcomes of colon cancer by getting screened early and as often as is recommended.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome of Kaley’s lawsuit could help guide how around 1,500 similar lawsuits against social media companies are resolved.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In 2021, the global significance of tatreez was recognized by UNESCO, when it was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a safeguarding measure to ensure its preservation.
    Zoe Whitfield, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
  • February marks Black History Month, a time to examine historic monuments in Dallas that still hold significance for the city's African-American community.
    Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, Chinese state media reportedly released images emphasizing Beijing’s technological and military superiority, while highlighting its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, the structure of these tax breaks, particularly changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, suggests that middle- and higher-income households will reap most of the benefits.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Players began playing Mafia, a deduction game in which two groups compete against each other.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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