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adjective sig·nif·i·cant \sig-ˈni-fi-kənt\

Definition of significant

1 : having meaning; especially : suggestive a significant glance
2a : having or likely to have influence or effect : important a significant piece of legislation; also : of a noticeably or measurably large amount a significant number of layoffs producing significant profitsb : probably caused by something other than mere chance statistically significant correlation between vitamin deficiency and disease

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See significant defined for kids

Examples of significant in a Sentence

Historians of ancient gender have seen this as crucially significant. Women in antiquity were by definition so disempowered that the authority of a new female ruler could only be captured by representing her in the guise of a man. Or so the argument goes. —Mary Beard, New York Review of Books, 12 Feb. 2009
While Congress will take a significant role in designing new regulation and is not likely to rubber-stamp the administration's proposals, momentum is strong for the creation of comprehensive financial reform. —Marc I. Seltzer et al., Commonweal, 19 June 2009
A new study on women and the media from the University of Missouri-Columbia shows that overweight women and women with eating disorders are not the only ones negatively affected by unrealistic advertisements (as previous studies have indicated). After viewing images of models, women of all sizes reported a significant decrease in satisfaction with their weight, hair, physical shape and sexual attractiveness. —Ms., Summer 2007
One of [Charles] Darwin's most extraordinary qualities was his ability to recognize when a scientific question could not be answered because of the limitations of the science of his day. He knew, for instance, that during his lifetime, no significant progress would be made on the question of how life began. —Amy Stewart, Wilson Quarterly, Winter 2004
A significant number of customers complained about the service.
He won a significant amount of money.
There is a significant difference in prices between the two stores.
The study found a statistically significant decrease in symptoms in patients who had taken the drug.
a significant event in the history of our nation
Fish is a significant part of their diet.
It is significant that she never mentioned him.
He gave us a significant wink.

Recent Examples of significant from the Web

Below, 25 famous women from Zadie Smith to Hillary Clinton share the authors and books that made a significant impact on their lives.

— julie ma, The Cut, "25 Famous Women on Their Favorite Books", 6 July 2017
As much evidence will support, drawing has significant developmental benefits for young children.

— tracy brown hamilton, The Atlantic, "The Diminishing Role of Art in Children's Lives", 5 July 2017
But now, thanks in large part to the leadership of Republican governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas is taking significant steps toward reversing Obamacare’s devastating impact.

— nicholas horton, National Review, "Medicaid Reform: Three Lessons from Arkansas", 5 July 2017
There’s only one [female] rapper, Nicki Minaj, who gets significant airplay.

— melissa maerz, Glamour, "The Oral History of Lilith Fair, As Told By the Women Who Lived It", 5 July 2017
Maas claimed that 14 months of discussion with major social media companies had made no significant progress.

— frank jordans, Jewish Journal, "Germany passes law against online hate speech", 3 July 2017
For example, there must be widespread evidence in a variety of sources, attested over a significant period of time.

— danielle tcholakian, Longreads, "How Do Words Get Added to the Dictionary?", 29 June 2017
But these are significant; the repeal bills cut way back on subsidies for premiums and deductibles for most people in the individual insurance market, especially older enrollees.

— michael hiltzik, chicagotribune.com, "How many people will die from the Republicans' Obamacare repeal bills? Tens of thousands per year", 27 June 2017
Many of the contents inside the house were intact, but there was significant damage to the house, including water and smoke damage, according to Sosby.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Officials: Firework cause of Portage fire", 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'significant'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of significant

Latin significant-, significans, present participle of significare to signify

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First Known Use: 1579

See Words from the same year

SIGNIFICANT Defined for English Language Learners

significant

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adjective

Definition of significant for English Language Learners

: large enough to be noticed or have an effect
: very important
: having a special or hidden meaning

SIGNIFICANT Defined for Kids

significant

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adjective sig·nif·i·cant \sig-ˈni-fi-kənt\

Definition of significant for Students

1 : having a special or hidden meaning The teacher gave them a significant smile.
2 : important 1 These changes are significant.
3 : large enough to be noticed He donated a significant amount of money.