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.

Meta plans to spend up to $135 billion on AI investment in 2026 alone, so some on Wall Street see layoffs as a significant offset to the company’s heavy infrastructure spending.

From MarketWatch

The 22-year-old midfielder had initially been expected to miss about four weeks, but the injury was found to be more significant than first thought.

From BBC

Winning Oscars doesn’t tend to have a significant impact on a studio’s bottom line, but it can boost films’ viewership on streaming services.

From Barron's

The Omanis say Iran was prepared to make major concessions that offered significant reassurance Tehran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon.

From BBC

significant

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words