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 athlete has previously paid tribute to his significant other on social media. Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Bringing a significant other home to meet Mom can be a bit stressful. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026 Police say that Williams was killed moments after hanging up the phone from a heated call with his significant other, who just happened to be Frazier’s mother. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026 With knee-high boots on a date Shopping sprees, drinks with the girls, a fancy dinner date—no matter what your plans are with friends or your significant other, your jean shorts will take you wherever the day leads. India Roby, Glamour, 23 Mar. 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 18 Apr. 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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