Definitions

significant

[sig-nif-i-kuhnt] / sɪgˈnɪf ɪ kənt /

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telling, meaningful adj.
important, critical adj.

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.

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significant

Miller said the whirlwind nature of Babydoll's success had led to accusations he was an "industry plant" - someone who appears to be self-made, while actually having backing from significant investors or supporters.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

The government touts the initiative as a significant "investment in Rwanda's future", slated for sometime in the early 2030s.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

The approaching Northern Hemisphere winter leaves the market with little margin for error: until refining output recovers, inventories rebuild and shipping risks ease, efforts to lower diesel prices are likely to face significant limits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

Keck Medicine of USC took a significant hit in the layoffs after running a deficit in the tens of millions in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Unlike the other continents, Antarctica is completely surrounded by ocean, and there is no significant land to obstruct the rushing waves.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

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Vocabulary lists containing significant

Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 4

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Usage

Example Sentences

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Vocabulary lists containing significant

Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 4

Random Word

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