significant other

noun

Synonyms of significant othernext
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The same goes for scrolling social media, watching TV or getting into arguments with your significant other. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Both were betrayed by their friend and significant other. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 11 May 2026 Season 2, which hit Netflix on May 6, includes the stories of four people who committed various crimes involving their significant others. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 Seventy-eight percent of Gen Zers say financial responsibility is an important trait when choosing a significant other, according to a 2025 Bank of America survey. Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant other

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

significant other

noun
significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər How to pronounce significant other (audio)
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship
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