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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.

Due to the short distances in the strait, Iran can cause significant damage even with short-range weapons, said Farzin Nadimi, senior fellow with the Washington Institute think tank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“That’s why my dad is so significant for us because he helps,” Adriana Gonzalez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

But Lime and other operators have faced significant, ongoing challenges in UK cities.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

And the lack of churn has also been credited to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who by most accounts has enforced significant restraint from a famously chaotic leader.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

She let out a sigh of relief and counted this as a small but significant victory.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

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