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

Let’s define art—in a broad sense—as, at heart, a preoccupation that rejects the alienated labor of capitalist society, whether to do something meaningful or simply for the sake of play. —Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

Frame a few new photos and arrange them with meaningful keepsakes on your shelves. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Social media blurred the line between political expression and meaningful threats. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Invest in something that’s equally magical and meaningful to you. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

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