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significant

[sig-nif-i-kuhnt] / sɪgˈnɪf ɪ kənt /




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.

But this week’s confrontation with Israel, the first time Iran engaged in direct hostilities in defense of an ally, represents a significant shift, said Sadegh Larijani, head of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

"So, we've got the challenge of trying to pull those two together and what we're seeing is significant job losses in the region."

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Still, policymakers aren’t out of the woods yet, with more significant price shifts yet to come.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The criminal probe was a significant escalation in the yearslong effort to police serial pollution offenses by Virginia-based Southern Coal and dozens of affiliated mining operations controlled by the family.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Regardless of the type of encounter, the basic music elements play a significant role in how children respond to music.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin




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