significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• content
• denotation
• drift
• import
• intent
• intention
• meaning
• purport
• sense
• signification

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

But the designation does not preclude demolition, and the resource report spells out that the developer intends to convey the arena’s significance with an interpretative exhibit at the new venue. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

Whether it be rooted in escapism, affirmation, or reclamation of self under the patriarchal gaze, the significance of this social-beauty trend’s popularity in today’s climate is not to be overlooked. —Cierra Black, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024

In the meantime, researchers are still trying to unravel the significance or purpose of Ötzi’s tattoos. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

Others have dismissed the significance of the talks entirely, claiming that the parties were merely going through the motions and buying time for battlefield realignments or that the draft agreements were unserious. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024

Religious symbolism The Pink Moon also embodies significance for several religions. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024

The ghosts aim to widen the significance of these events, but their observations are usually either overcomplicated or banal—sometimes both. —Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

But Brokaw, who’d been an anchor at KNBC in Los Angeles when Simpson emerged as a star running back at USC in the late 1960s, understood its significance and led with the case every night. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Staley highlighted the significance of having five Black women at the desk for the biggest games in college basketball history, emphasizing their contributions to the sport and their ability to elevate it to new heights. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing significance

• level of significance
• significance level

Kids Definition

significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s 

1

: meaning entry 1 sense 1

2

: the quality of being of notable worth or influence