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 while climbing’s global expansion is undeniable, its local meaning in communities of color carries particular significance. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025 Crucially, the president’s meeting schedule and choices illuminate which international issues – such as Russia’s war in Ukraine – are paramount and which countries and leaders hold greater strategic significance. Collin J. Meisel, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025 The project holds personal significance for Woo, himself a twin. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Rodgers was asked whether there was more significance in beating the Jets this time around since New York’s head coach, Aaron Glenn, didn’t think Rodgers was right for the team. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • Actively choose intentionality and meaning.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At a time when loneliness and isolation are rising around the world, families—though never perfect—remain one of life’s strongest sources of stability and meaning.
    Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Many players didn’t grow up watching the Border War, and thus there wasn’t the same collective understanding of the rivalry’s importance.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The new queen is Itza Castillo, a 30-year-old professional model born in Managua, who arrived in the United States four years ago and plans to deliver a message about the importance of education.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bryce Young has to be better After building up an immense sense of goodwill, locally and nationally, with his second-half performance from last year, Young essentially melted away in the Jacksonville heat.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Giving people a greater sense of agency.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, only 18% of Russian trade now uses the dollar or euro as of December, down from 87% and 67% of imports and exports, respectively in early 2022.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Commission was swayed by Clattenburg’s expertise, saying that his view of the incidents was of greater import than Jackson’s.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of true crime content is salacious and gory, full of reenactments and shock.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the magnitude of the moment is unmistakable.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It still too soon to determine the exact location/magnitude of potential impacts from Kiko.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Every ingredient is patented, clinically tested, and dosed with intent.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Steven Lawson, one of the three men convicted in connection with the Crystal Rogers disappearance, has filed notice of intent to appeal in the case, according to court documents.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The decisions ultimately have dire consequences for both the erstwhile pals and everyone else living on Inisherin.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But the then-21-year-old soon felt the consequences of his overnight fame.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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