meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

a

: having a meaning or purpose

The tests did not produce any meaningful results.

b

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful life

a meaningful relationship

2

: having an assigned function in a language system

meaningful propositions

meaningfully

ˈmē-niŋ-fə-lē 

adverb

meaningfulness noun

Synonyms of meaningful

• suggestive
• eloquent
• expressive
• revealing
• meaning

Examples of meaningful in a Sentence

The test did not produce any meaningful results.

She looked at him in a meaningful way.

He wanted to feel that his job was meaningful.

The trip turned out to be very meaningful for both of them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Those moments would lay the groundwork for others to come that were far more consequential and far more meaningful. — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Friction-maxxing takes the longer road and slower approach, but rewards you with a richer, more meaningful space and as a result, life. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

Olise’s first meaningful contribution of this World Cup was a through ball that helped to break open a stubborn Senegalese defence. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Share a meaningful story with a mentor or a relative far away, because seeing the bigger picture can soothe worries and recenter your priorities. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

: having a meaning or purpose

meaningful work

2

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful experience

meaningfully

-fə-lē 

adverb