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

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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 Reports into both the Gregg Wallace (and subsequently John Torode) MasterChef scandal and the Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone debacle dropped almost simultaneously, bringing with them consequences and posing plenty more questions. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 July 2025 For all of the fiery drama that happens in the third act — including murder, terrorism, and full-frontal nudity from a paralyzed Joaquin Phoenix — the only act of lasting historical consequence is the data center from fictional solidgoldmagikarp corporation finally being built in Eddington. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 July 2025 But under the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies, staying in the country beyond the authorized date — even with a valid visa — can result in serious legal consequences. —Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 The episode underscores the precariousness of elite status in Putin’s Russia—and the unpredictable consequences for those who lose the president’s trust. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 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
  • Homelessness, housing costs hit record-high levels nationwide The Department of Housing and Urban Development won't release the 2025 point-in-time count results until the end of this year, but the most recent data shows that homelessness is rising even faster across the U.S. than in Indianapolis.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Air sampling meters tested the building for hazardous conditions, but the results were negative.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • The issue was of great importance to the late Princess of Wales during what proved to be the final year of her life.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • And Driving Talent Forward Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, explains the broad impact and importance of the rookie test within the championship’s growth strategy.
    — Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Putin’s arrogance in wanting total Ukrainian surrender could prove his downfall, if only Trump sticks to his position.
    — Daniel Fried, Time, 15 July 2025
  • The arrogance wasn’t hers alone; many people have tried to assign the Tully monster a place in the tree of life since it was first discovered 70 years ago.
    — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Whilst not saying anything outright, the inference from the ‘career is short’ part can be that Isak told Howe what has now become public knowledge.
    — Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • These people have not insisted on the same transparency for his many accusations and inference of complicity toward his enemies in the government, the press and the education community.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Definition of inference
Noun
  • In the pilot program, the U.S. Department of Education offered Pell grants for short-term training for students who wouldn’t otherwise qualify and compared their outcomes to those without grants.
    — Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • In contrast, one outcome of the fires that destroyed areas of Los Angeles in January was that deer, mules and mountain lions were seen running panicked along roads or stranded in neighborhoods, pinched into urban spaces by human infrastructure and the advancing fires.
    — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • For You The significance of the change in QSBS provisions goes beyond the founders, investors, and venture-capital firms involved in startups.
    — Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Brazilians considered the capital city, which replaced Rio de Janeiro, a symbol of the nation’s future significance on the world stage.
    — Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Being the world's most valuable company is not a sign of permanent superiority.
    — Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 10 July 2025
  • What To Know According to a French intelligence report shared with the Associated Press, Chinese diplomats worked to publicize the downing of Rafale jets during the conflict while promoting the superiority of Chinese fighter aircraft.
    — Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • The maximum $6,000 senior bonus deduction is then reduced by $900 in this example to reach a senior deduction of $5,100.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • There are also new deductions for tip income, overtime earnings and car loan interest, with varying eligibility requirements.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 20 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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