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 Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle highlighted the mansion's historical significance of the loss in a statement posted on Facebook. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 16 May 2025 Since then, sky lanterns have taken on a more ceremonial and celebratory significance, marking occasions such as the end of Chinese New Year and the coming of spring. Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 In Saudi Arabia, Inking Billions In Deals iOS 18.5—Apple Just Gave All iPhone Users 33 Reasons To Update Now For borrowers, this clarification has enormous real-world significance. Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • As religious participation declines, one important answer is to create secular frameworks that similarly build common meaning and shared purpose among people—qualities that machines, by definition, cannot provide.
    Kim Samuel, Time, 14 May 2025
  • This echoes back to the varied meanings of the title.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Environments that support psychological needs, such as relatedness, reduce procrastination and emphasize the importance of a connected culture.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • But until then, parents will want to reinforce to their kids the importance of helping out with tidying up around the house.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • In that sense, the vulgar Vader situation creates a touchy dilemma for Epic Games and Disney, which likely invested substantially in this high-profile collaboration.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The largest decrease in imports is projected for Pakistan (-800,000 bales to 5.0 million).
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 16 May 2025
  • Trade Truce Helped The Market Rally On Monday, the White House announced a 90-day suspension on new tariffs targeting Chinese imports.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Fox Corporation announced May 12 that its new streaming service featuring all of its entertainment, news and sports content, will be launching this fall and dubbed Fox One.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Under the new plan, however, Fox will launch a new broadband outlet that puts all of its content in front of anyone who wants to see it — for a fee.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Recent data underscores the magnitude of the challenge.
    Masha Sedova, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Flares of this magnitude are uncommon, the service added.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The intent from day one was to have no uncertainty in the dugout and to keep Maresca in place.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Region Matters Rosé can be made almost anywhere, but some growing regions produce it with more precision and intent.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Outside that anonymous act, the job is to report the truth, whatever the likely consequences.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • An unfortunate consequence of all the rumors and news is that many people are applying for Social Security benefits earlier than previously planned, according to The Wall Street Journal.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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