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Definitions

significant

[sig-nif-i-kuhnt] / sɪgˈnɪf ɪ kənt /
ADJECTIVE
telling, meaningful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compelling important momentous powerful serious symbolic
WEAK
cogent convincing denoting eloquent expressing expressive facund forceful heavy indicative knowing meaning pregnant representative rich sententious sound suggestive valid weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
insignificant trivial unimportant
WEAK
meaningless minor
ADJECTIVE
important, critical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
big consequential considerable meaningful momentous notable noteworthy serious substantial vital
WEAK
big-deal big-wheel carrying a lot of weight heavy material weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dull inconsequential insignificant little minor ordinary small trivial unimportant unnoticeable
WEAK
meaningless

Usage

What are other ways to say significant? The adjectives significant and meaningful, when describing forms of expression, imply an underlying and unexpressed thought whose existence is plainly shown although its precise nature is left to conjecture. Significant suggests conveying important or hidden meaning: On hearing this statement, he gave the officers a significant glance. Meaningful implies a secret and intimate understanding between the persons involved: Meaningful looks passed between them. Expressive suggests conveying, or being capable of conveying, a thought, intention, emotion, etc., in an effective or vivid manner: an expressive gesture. Suggestive implies an indirect or covert conveying of a meaning, sometimes mentally stimulating, sometimes verging on impropriety or indecency: a suggestive story or remark.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Taking part in such a significant discovery early in their academic careers has influenced the students' future plans.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

With a Roth IRA, you get significant tax advantages, including tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals, and no required minimum distributions if you are the original owner.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Morton arrived at Lyon at a time of significant uncertainty.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Many private-equity and private-credit firms have significant exposure to software companies that investors worry are in danger of being displaced by new artificial-intelligence tools.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Called Sally, she was Martha Jefferson’s half sister—and would one day play a significant role in Thomas Jefferson’s life.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.