consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s How to pronounce consequence (audio)
-kwən(t)s
1
: a conclusion derived through logic : inference
… we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.James Bryant Conant
2
: something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions
the economic consequences of the war
This refined taste is the consequence of education and habit.Joshua Reynolds
3
a
: importance with respect to power to produce an effect
a mistake of no consequence
a problem of grave international consequence
b
: social importance
a person of some consequence
4
: the appearance of importance
especially : self-importance
You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family. … He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house … Jane Austen
Phrases
in consequence
: as a result
Choose the Right Synonym for consequence

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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

Examples of consequence in a Sentence

The slightest error can have serious consequences. What were the economic consequences of the war? The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company. Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement. He weighed the consequences of making a career change. The style you choose is of no consequence.
Recent Examples on the Web This spring, Washington, D.C.’s beloved cherry blossom trees reached their earliest peak bloom in more than two decades, a consequence of an abnormally warm winter, consistent with climate change trends. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 The consequences of a brief shutdown would be mostly muted: Many federal workers at unfunded agencies would be off for the weekend, anyway. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consequence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consequence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "result, outcome, something following logically from a premise," borrowed from Anglo-French consequens, consequence, borrowed from Latin consequentia "succession of events, logical outcome, necessary sequence," noun derivative of consequent-, consequens, past participle of consequī "to come after, succeed in time, follow as a necessary consequence" — more at consequent entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consequence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consequence

Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consequence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consequence

noun
con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s How to pronounce consequence (audio)
-si-kwən(t)s
1
2
: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect
a mistake of no consequence

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!