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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 blockade is set to drain more oil from a tight market, prolong the squeeze on other key commodities flowing through the strait and inject significant uncertainty into the global economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Former and current officials said it can be done, but it is a complex operation that requires significant U.S. military resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

A significant majority of the schools which responded said they banned phones during the school day, with many having toughened their policies in recent years, and most wanting a clear all-Wales policy.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

NASA’s Artemis II mission and SpaceX’s potential $2 trillion IPO highlight a resurgent space industry, driving significant stock gains.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“Not if the persons primary achievement is playing a sport. But if you can make a case for their significant contribution to history, like through activism or humanitarian works, then maybe.”

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

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

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