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

An unusual shape, a handmade glaze or a slightly odd subject can make thrift store home decor feel far more meaningful than anything picked off a shelf. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity sextiles Pluto in your 3rd House of Communication, helping imagination turn into words, pitches, drafts, or meaningful conversations. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026

But the promise of something more meaningful from these sequences is never fulfilled. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026

The Cavaliers did not make many meaningful roster additions this offseason. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 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