signify
verb
sig·ni·fy
ˈsig-nə-ˌfī 
signified; signifying
2
: to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)
1
: to have significance : matter
… it will not much signify what one wears …—
Jane Austen
Jane Austen2
: to engage in signifying
Did you know?
Signify basically means "to make a sign or signal". One of its synonyms is indicate; the index finger is the finger you point with, so to indicate is essentially to point to something. Significant means "important" and significance means "importance;" similarly, insignificant means "unimportant" and insignificance means "lack of importance".
Examples of signify in a Sentence
A check mark next to your name signifies that you have met all the requirements.
The recent decline of the stock market does not necessarily signify the start of a recession.
He gave her a diamond ring to signify his love.
Whether he agrees or not does not signify.
Recent Examples on the Web
In numerology, 8 signifies a new beginning.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
These conditions are normally signified by the National Weather Service declaring an extreme cold warning (approximately minus 25-degree conditions) for an extended period of time during the university's normal operating hours.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025
The White House was briefly locked down with a condition red alert, which The New York Times notes signifies a possible threat to life.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
But what does a $2 million watch signify for Blancpain?
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for signify
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Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
These conditions are normally signified by the National Weather Service declaring an extreme cold warning (approximately minus 25-degree conditions) for an extended period of time during the university's normal operating hours.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025
The White House was briefly locked down with a condition red alert, which The New York Times notes signifies a possible threat to life.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
But what does a $2 million watch signify for Blancpain?
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for signify
Cite this Entry
“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
signify
verb
sig·ni·fy
ˈsig-nə-ˌfī
signified; signifying
2
: to show especially by a sign : make known
signified their agreement by nodding
3
: to have importance : matter
doesn't signify much what you wear
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