significant other

noun

Synonyms of significant othernext
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

Examples of significant other in a Sentence

Before you make such an important decision, you should talk it over with your significant other. she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While Sara and LaNasa’s husband, Grant Show, lend their support off-screen, the significant others of two other stars will be making their debut on the show this season. Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 Rather than spend a night on the town with a friend or significant other, take that cash and donate it to a philanthropic organization that is meaningful to you. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 15 Jan. 2026 Going out to dinner with your significant other, that’s a different sort of occasion. Rahul Goyal, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026 So Wild players were ecstatic for the final stop after 14 consecutive days of sleeping in hotel rooms, eating out and not seeing their significant others and children on anything but FaceTime. Michael Russo, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant other

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

significant other

noun
significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər How to pronounce significant other (audio)
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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