significant other

Definition of significant othernext
as in partner
the person to whom another is married she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of significant other Fifty-five percent of those who plan to celebrate plan to buy gifts for their significant other or other family members. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026 Hilarity and love ensue — until her new significant other is knocked over by Carpenters’ fans. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026 Valentine's Day is just ahead, but there is still time to plan something fun to with your significant other. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026 The bonus is the color can appeal across genders…which may make your case for buying a new watch just a tad more compelling when convincing a significant other. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant other
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significant other
Noun
  • Testimony from a neighbor and the men's romantic partners also did not support the agent's account that he had been attacked with a broom or shovel or that a third person was involved.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Related Stories Kahuam, who co-wrote the pic with producing partner Anthony Pallino, had nothing but appreciation for his team.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This week, a 51-year-old woman was sentenced to federal prison for making far-out and ultimately weightless accusations – that her former spouse had illegally accessed her bank account as an astronaut aboard the International Space Station in the summer of 2019.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • At the office, constantly gushing about your spouse or new romantic interest can be cringe-inducing for your coworkers.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In a rare and memorable moment, Gosling shouted out his better half while accepting the Oscar for Best Actor in 2017.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 11 Feb. 2026
  • My better half, however, is an old pro, with years of cutting, plotting, heat transfer and sticker designing ... all sorts of crafty things with her Cricut and more.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The days when his wife, who entered the US illegally 26 years ago and has started the process of applying for a green card, would attend Bible study, go grocery shopping and drop off or pick up their children from school feel long gone, the father and husband said.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Ellen Rudolph and her husband, Steve Lewis, were still trying to repair their Pacific Palisades home and rebuild their lives after last year’s fires when, two months later, the devastating news came.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significant%20other. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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