significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s How to pronounce significance (audio)
1
a
: something that is conveyed as a meaning often obscurely or indirectly
b
: the quality of conveying or implying
2
a
: the quality of being important : moment
b
: the quality of being statistically significant
Choose the Right Synonym for significance

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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

Examples of significance in a Sentence

The discovery has great significance to researchers. His age is of little significance. This building should be preserved because of its historical significance. Does the ceremony have any religious significance? Her work has a significance that will last beyond her lifetime. I failed to understand the significance of her remarks. Does the date March 16 have some special significance to you? People in ancient times assigned a particular significance to the number seven.
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.
Worthy certainly was a significant part of the game-plan, and then his significance in the game was relegated to one series. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 From shelf to session, rolling papers carry cultural weight, strategic significance and brand-defining potential. Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 The deal has attracted endorsements from entertainment industry figures who see cultural significance in the partnership. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 Arkansas' players are aware of the historical significance of the game. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of significance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significance. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

significance

noun
sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s How to pronounce significance (audio)
1
2
: the quality of being of notable worth or influence

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