significant other

noun

: a person who is important to one's well-being

especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

Synonyms of significant other

• partner
• spouse
• better half
• husband

Examples of significant other in a Sentence

Before you make such an important decision, you should talk it over with your significant other.

she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling

Recent Examples on the Web

The stereotypical tokenmaxxer was staying up late — perhaps ignoring their significant other — while orchestrating an army of 24-hour AI agents performing work on their behalf. — Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Here are 17 celebrities who helped fans propose to their significant others. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Some may choose to involve their significant other with a couple’s celebration. — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 28 July 2026

Sure, the golfers are up against the elements, but so are their significant others. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for significant other

• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• stepmother
• brother
• mother
• nother
• smother
• souther

Medical Definition

significant other

noun

significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər 

: a person who is important to one's well-being

especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship