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 The significance of the cowrie shell in Ghana dates to its historical use as currency, and by extension, its connotation with wealth and abundance. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 14 Mar. 2024 For people around the world excited by the mathematical significance of pi and the broad potential for honorary puns related to it, there are plenty of ways to pay homage. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 After a contentious discussion at a Phoenix City Council meeting in February, the council upheld the finding of historical significance and denied the Milums' economic hardship application. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 And history for Gottlieb, winning her first-ever Pac-12 tournament in the final year of its current iteration, choking up postgame when describing its significance. Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024 The company did not provide detailed results for the study’s primary goal, but said the calculation for statistical significance was 0.67 — well above the 0.05 threshold for success and an indication that Relyvrio provided no benefit at all. Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 8 Mar. 2024 Election Day in the East Bay featured a number of notable contests, from county supervisors to state senators to local measures with regional significance. Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Accepting her award in tears, Berry acknowledged the historic significance of her win. Marianne Garvey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Each watch was developed at least 30 years ago and exemplifies technical innovation, exceptional design, rare materials, historical significance, notable ownership or provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and rarity. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'significance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near significance

Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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