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.

Winter Storm Watch posted for significant snow Sunday, tapering Monday morning.

From Salon

As expected, the cells accumulated significant DNA damage.

From Science Daily

At Mammoth Mountain, two ski patrollers suffered significant injuries Friday morning when a slide hit as they performed “avalanche mitigation work.”

From Los Angeles Times

China currently controls around 90% of the world’s refined supply of rare earths, giving it significant leverage over the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

It represents a significant portion of a private-equity employee’s potential compensation.

From The Wall Street Journal

significant

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words