Synonyms of significance

significance

noun

sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s 

1

as in meaning

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

the significance of that word is much debated by biblical scholars

Synonyms & Similar Words

• meaning
• sense
• content
• intent
• intention
• import
• definition
• implication
• theme
• connotation
• message
• signification
• nature
• drift
• indication
• denotation
• purport
• topic
• essence
• suggestion
• clue
• motive
• hint
• acceptance
• stuff
• tenor
• spirit
• burden
• question
• subject
• matter
• cue
• intimation
• inkling
• heart
• soul
• point
• essentiality
• core
• bottom
• motif
• kernel
• marrow
• nucleus
• gist
• crux
• acceptation
• pith
• nub
• quick

2

as in importance

the quality or state of being important

the political significance of the special commission's report

Synonyms & Similar Words

• importance
• import
• magnitude
• consequence
• gravity
• moment
• value
• weight
• momentousness
• weightiness
• power
• prominence
• substance
• account
• seriousness
• distinction
• eminence
• status
• celebrity
• fame
• worthiness
• notoriety
• worth
• renown
• noteworthiness
• potency
• preeminence
• centrality
• note
• name
• mastery
• stature
• reputation
• prestige
• control
• authority
• position
• dominion
• store
• report
• repute
• greatness
• substantiveness
• sway
• essentiality
• glory
• rank
• standing
• mark
• essentialness
• honor
• cachet
• illustriousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insignificance
• smallness
• triviality
• littleness
• worthlessness
• shame
• pettiness
• infamy
• disgrace
• dishonor
• ignominy
• discredit
• puniness
• disrepute
• slightness
• odium
• opprobrium
• anonymity
• paltriness
• valuelessness
• obscurity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun significance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of significance are consequence, importance, moment, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

When is consequence a more appropriate choice than significance?

The words consequence and significance can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

In what contexts can importance take the place of significance?

The words importance and significance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When would moment be a good substitute for significance?

The meanings of moment and significance largely overlap; however, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

Where would weight be a reasonable alternative to significance?

In some situations, the words weight and significance are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of significance

The outcomes for detainees who have been housed at the facility have taken on new significance after an appeals court overturned that earlier ruling, allowing the facility to resume operations. —Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025

Even industry insiders grapple with interpreting the significance and translating these metrics into tangible success. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The song's meaning has now taken on greater significance after his experience in the Himalayas. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

While the localized impacts seem clear, researchers say that bioprecipitation has not been studied well enough to know its significance to the planet’s climate. —Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025