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

Reportedly, their respective significant others unfollowed each other, and Bailey and Pankow unfollowed the other’s partner as well. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026

Hickerson also served 33 of 45 days in jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a significant other in 2021 and received a five-year restraining order. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026

Bring your significant other and have a Mall of America day beforehand. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

So, here’s a step-by-step itinerary that would be perfect for a daddy-daughter day, family outing, date with your significant other, or just to treat yourself. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 16 Aug. 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