SIGNIFICANCE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

significance

noun

sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s

Definition of significance

as in meaning

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the significance of that word is much debated by biblical scholars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in importance

the quality or state of being important the political significance of the special commission's report

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The central theme was the figurative — and literal — significance of passing the ball, including asking audience members to ponder what their passing game is like and the ramifications of being a ball hog. — Vahe Gregorian july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 The first responders received two separate standing ovations as Higgins detailed their efforts and the significance of their work in giving people hope. — Ella Moore july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 The setup – long term The weekly chart shows us the significance of this recent move. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Otherwise, Kail sticks closely to the template established for him, recreating every scene and sequence from the first movie with ruthless fidelity and adding essentially no departures of any significance. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for significance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance

Noun

The differing inlay materials — such as mother of pearl, malachite and onyx — have been given different mystical meanings by social media users (helping with the wearer’s career, love life, friendships or finances, for example).

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Explore philosophies that give you a better self-awareness and get you closer to the true meaning of your life.

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 July 2026

Definition of meaning

Noun

Smith’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, emphasized the importance of fireworks safety when speaking with WMC.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Advertisement The first inkling of recalibration came when tech bros suddenly started emphasizing the importance of taste.

— Miranda Shanahan, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

The sheer fact of filming fills a frame, even one composed with quasi-documentary plainness, with a plethora of details of narrative, expressive, aesthetic, intellectual, and historical import.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Trucks were held up in hours of queues in 2021 when Saudi Arabia imposed new restrictions on imports from the UAE, as relations between the leaders of the two countries deteriorated over a dispute about oil production and rising economic rivalry.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of import

Noun

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
The Los Angeles case targets platform features like infinite scroll and autoplay rather than user content, a strategy that could shape thousands of similar suits.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of content

Noun

By 2014, the Army Corps of Engineers declared its intent to remove the mural with no immediate plans for restoration.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Examples include Fashion Valley’s plans to replace the JCPenney store with 850 luxury apartments and the intent by The Valley, formerly known as Westfield Mission Valley East, to add multifamily residential units.

— Hang Nguyen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

Definition of intent

Noun

The consequences of those decisions, however, including suspensions, may be modified under Article 27, which FIFA cited in reversing Balogun's ban.

— Connor Greene, Time, 6 July 2026
Extreme heat pushes these cool-water species beyond their comfort zone, sometimes with deadly consequences.

— Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Definition of consequence

Cite this Entry

Style

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of significance

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