[go: up one dir, main page]

Definition of consequencenext
1
2
3
4

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 Paul said that intervention in the protests could have unintended consequences. Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2026 But that will have unintended consequences, too. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026 And while anyone can sound off on social media, how often are students taught to consider the consequences of their words? Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026 That perspective leads to better outcomes and fewer unintended consequences. Mary D. Kane, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
Noun
  • This move risks dangerous results from the military and security establishment in the country, as well as the substantial Cuban contingent working in the security sphere.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • According to Fox 5, citing a flight expert, the unusual incident may not have been the result of a hard landing, but a possible malfunction in the aircraft’s automatic braking system.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Though their divorce was acrimonious, and the two were later involved in various legal proceedings, the source said that Clarkson knew the importance of her children’s relationship with their father.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Middlebrooks echoed those concerns, emphasizing the importance of the services provided by the health system.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach take turns transforming into floating marketplaces — docks converted to catwalks, hulls polished to reflective arrogance, sales reps who can quote fuel burn like yacht owners care about costs.
    Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
  • College football is awash in problems, including the Big Ten’s unrivaled arrogance, and its never-ending list of demands that would make Notre Dame blush.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While our ape ancestors might well have been consuming naturally fermented alcohol for millions of years, only humans, with our powers of logical inference, have been able to refine the process.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Our work also helps explain how people make what psychologists call compensatory inferences.
    Jaclyn L. Tanenbaum, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The highly skilled team — including neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pediatric specialists — provides immediate access to advanced treatments and technology, improving outcomes and offering families peace of mind.
    MemorialCare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Participation and learning outcomes must first be approved by a licensed educator.
    Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some researchers have cast doubt on the significance of the study due to its small size.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Rosado is expected to address the significance of the developments for South Florida and the broader region.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Conversely, Taiwan’s adoption of drone technologies and counter-measures reflects a broader global trend in modern warfare where autonomy, numbers, and networked systems can offset traditional military superiority.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Despite Barca’s recent dominance and established superiority in terms of history, fanbase and budget, the rivalry between the clubs is fierce.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The new senior deduction of up to $6,000 will help offset federal taxes on benefits at tax time.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • That sum is the amounts received by interactive sports wagering operators from sports wagers as authorized under state law, less the amounts paid as winnings before any deductions for expenses, fees, or taxes.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on consequence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!