consequence

noun

ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s How to pronounce consequence (audio)
Definition of consequencenext
1
as in result
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause the flood was an inevitable consequence of the prolonged, heavy rains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in importance
the quality or state of being important a mistake that was of no great consequence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims a junior executive who strutted around the office with all of the consequence of a peacock in pinstripes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in inference
an opinion arrived at through a process of reasoning I am able to deduce several consequences from those premises

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But for most people, the worst consequence is a passive-aggressive reminder to follow all crew instructions. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 What are the legal consequences of trespassing in Texas? —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025 This is just the world that these characters exist in, and there are going to be consequences for a lot of actions. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 The rule doesn't lay out what the consequences are for teachers and other staff members who don't comply. —Sabine Martin, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consequence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consequence
  1. result
  2. importance
  3. arrogance
  4. inference
  5. outcome
  6. significance
  7. superiority
  8. deduction
Noun
  • The Webb telescope observations could have occurred by chance or could be the result of previously unknown chemical processes at work on K2-18b.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Friday’s result provided further clarity on the Heat’s draft pick situation.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • Prosecutors have stressed the importance of Mortensen’s testimony as the only living person to see the intruder.
    — Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Trump Doubles Down on Trade War, Threatening China With More Tariffs Rare earth’s importance The importance of rare earths has only increased over the years, due to the world’s reliance on ever-powerful computers and its search for cleaner energy.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Most are due to unnecessary escalation, creating disengagement, authoritative behaviors, arrogance and ego.
    — Joao Mendes-Roter, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Musk’s casual Friday attire just shows his arrogance and disrespect for American government.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • With the massive investments in AI-specific compute capabilities and capacity, along with advancements in inference and reasoning, delivering impactful outcomes to some of our most confounding challenges now seems within reach.
    — Rob Green, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For decades, it had been assumed that Jupiter's atmosphere was well-mixed—a belief that then guided inferences about the gas giant's interior makeup.
    — Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of inference
Noun
  • From her campaign headquarters in Quito, González emphatically rejected the outcome.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Regardless of whether Tennessee looks back on this as a smart decision—on and off the field—in the future, one thing is for sure: the outcome of this situation will have a profound impact on contractual relationships between athletes and programs going forward.
    — Kristi Dosh, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • The Levi Strauss Museum takes visitors through Strauss’ journey, from his birth to his immigration to the U.S. Floors are dedicated to the history of jeans, featuring rare piece, and highlight the garment’s socio-cultural significance.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Colossal is leaning into the pop culture significance of its invention, including setting up the pups for a photo shoot on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, courtesy of Peter Jackson.
    — Adam Carlson, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • The hypocrisies of what might be called humanity’s delusions of superiority suggest the need for deeper questioning.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
  • His superiority was self-evident, like the rays of the sun.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • Policymakers also have tools to help keep capital flowing—enhanced depreciation allowances and broader deductions for intangible drilling costs could spur reinvestment without upending the broader fiscal framework that has served the industry well.
    — Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Congress should look to lower tax rates, not raise taxes by denying deductions for ordinary and necessary business expenses like state business taxes.
    — Ryan Ellis, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of deduction

Phrases Containing consequence

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consent (to)
consequence
consequences
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Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consequence. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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