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 But Afonu, who features in the documentary, knew the significance the films would have not only for historical records, but also for film students in Ghana. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 Goodall’s death concluded a remarkable chapter in environmental advocacy that inspired countless scientists and activists worldwide, and prompts reflection on the enduring significance of her work and its impact on generations to come. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 The significance of that outcome? Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025 That matchup alone shows his significance to the contest. Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • And while the color itself is a mix of almond milk and espresso, Steinfeld also opted for an elegant mid-length almond shape, adding a second meaning to the moniker.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Frame the experience of caregiving as sacred and as a way to search for personal meaning from a larger perspective.
    Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Raising awareness about the importance of mammograms and prepping patients for discomfort may help.
    Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Research on interpersonal warmth—which, alongside competence, accounts for roughly 82% of how people evaluate others—supports the importance of explicit positive communication.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Both of those rankings praised the city for offering a sense of community, mountain scenery and a bustling arts scene.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • There was a sense of Diana and Charles arriving at Westminster Abbey in separate coaches on the day of the coronation.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The market for solar PVs–in which Europe was once a leader—has been dominated in recent years more thoroughly by cheap Chinese imports than any other renewable sector.
    Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • That coincided with a drop in demand for Chinese UCO after the European Union probed Chinese imports for artificially low prices.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The ring is designed to integrate directly with the Reebok Fitness App, which offers more than 1,000 hours of fitness and wellness content.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Although the team may be surrounded by noise and adversity, the Eagles could use a trade of this magnitude to get things back on track.
    Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When built around real clinical intent, AI can help sort and score incoming data, identify what requires escalation, and suppress what does not.
    Scott R. Schell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This was a mob intent on violence against Gardaí.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some of those involved in the group chat have already faced consequences, such Peter Giunta who was dismissed from his position as chief of staff to a New York assemblyman, and Bobby Walker who was dismissed from a New York congressional campaign.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Keys confirmed the cardiovascular and metabolic changes recorded in Warsaw but also documented psychological consequences that had not been reported before.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on significance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!