Synonym Chooser

How does the noun significance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of significance are consequence, importance, moment, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

When is consequence a more appropriate choice than significance?

The words consequence and significance can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

In what contexts can importance take the place of significance?

The words importance and significance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When would moment be a good substitute for significance?

The meanings of moment and significance largely overlap; however, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

Where would weight be a reasonable alternative to significance?

In some situations, the words weight and significance are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of significance There is historical and cultural significance to this date. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The weekend is a culmination of a six-month season of gospel performances, which included free pop-up concerts around Miami-Dade County, all in an effort to spotlight the genre and its cultural significance in Miami. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025 Additionally, be self-aware of body language and words related to Juneteenth's historical significance. Simone E. Morris, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 They have also been committed to ensuring more fans are aware of the U.S. holiday and its significance. Caché McClay, USA Today, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • Employees—especially those in emotionally demanding or client-facing roles—need to see the meaning in their work.
    Pete First, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • But songs have all kinds of meanings for people, and evidently this struck a chord.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • When 44 percent of your games are decided by one run, there’s no underselling the importance of one big swing.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Trump's dispatching of his top emissary to Los Angeles at a time of turmoil surrounding the Israel-Iran war and the U.S.' future role in it signals the political importance Trump places on his hard-line immigration policies.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • There is not an American President—Bill Clinton, George H. W. or George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump—who has dealt with Netanyahu and not, sooner or later, come away with a lingering sense of resentment.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • In a sense, the job search should be treated like a personal marketing campaign, Zeile suggested.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Turkey relies heavily on energy imports, including from Iran, and rising oil prices due to the conflict could aggravate inflation and further strain its troubled economy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • Last month, authorities responded by suspending cattle, horse and bison imports along the US-Mexico border, according to a news release from the USDA.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The bill’s magnitude seems to have played a role in the disintegrating relationship between Trump and Elon Musk, who remains the world’s richest man despite seeing his net worth plunge in recent days.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The grand jury was most critical of the four-mile OC Streetcar project and said endeavors of that magnitude need to be better planned and executed to benefit a larger portion of Orange County.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Tailor content to match their stage, intent and platform behavior to actually drive results.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • But, if team members sense that failure will result in terrible consequences and individual blame, their brains divert energy to being safe rather than being bold.
    Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The state must swiftly come into compliance with Title IX or face the consequences that follow.
    Ryan Gaydos , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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