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.

McDonnell pointed to an 8% reduction in the number of gunshot victims citywide, a decline he attributed to a significant increase in the number of guns seized by police.

From Los Angeles Times

The collaboration marks a significant shift for Apple, which has traditionally developed its core technologies in-house.

From Barron's

“This pattern of highly visible and self-evidently significant innovations leading to market euphoria, then to overinvestment, and thus to severe market decline has repeated again and again throughout history,” he said.

From Barron's

One is a straightforward supply issue: The International Energy Association projects a “significant” global oil surplus for 2026.

From Barron's

“This pattern of highly visible and self-evidently significant innovations leading to market euphoria, then to overinvestment, and thus to severe market decline has repeated again and again throughout history,” he said.

From Barron's

significant

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words