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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.

“The University of California is facing the most significant disruption to our research enterprise in our history,” Milliken said, pointing to federal funding cuts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The film spends significant time roasting inane eccentrics like Benji but not without explaining their place in the media’s modern ecosystem.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

However, if you don’t have a significant other who relies on your income and you do have enough savings and no debts, it may be less useful.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

They took a significant ownership stake and several board seats.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“Visual strategies are most significant to students whose hearing is compromised. It’s their primary means for receiving information.”

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!