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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.

Treasurys and significant forex reserves in excess of $250 billion.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

A small brush fire in Yucca Valley did some significant damage on Sunday — destroying four structures and leading to the injury of a firefighter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Lately, these moves have been driven by significant federal funding cuts, which have left some states scrambling to fill budget holes, although others have long been struggling under their own fiscal pressures.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

A system can remain formally democratic while exhibiting significant distortions in competition, accountability and the rule of law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

“The three of you just earned a significant addition to your chores list. But we’ll deal with that later.”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Vocabulary lists containing significant

Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 4

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