significant

adjective

sig-ˈni-fi-kənt How to pronounce significant (audio)
Definition of significantnext
1
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect made a significant change in the procedure for applying for citizenship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in indicative
indicating something the town's generous library budget is significant of the value its residents place on learning

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3
as in influential
having great power or influence a producer who is playing a significant role in the creation of the new film

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in considerable
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention paid a significant amount of money for the movie rights to the book

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in suggestive
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood) after remarking that tardiness was on the rise, our boss cast a significant glance my way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 significant That raises significant questions about the wisdom of putting significant pension dollars into an illiquid investment with nearly 60 years left to run. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 This step marks a significant milestone in autonomous electronic warfare following a simulated test in February 2026. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 Adam Young, another co-author, underscored that the findings were significant because beaches are the first defense against coastal flooding, in addition to providing recreational, cultural and economic benefits to the region. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 However, humidity, sea haze and mosquitoes can be significant factors during August observing sessions. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significant
  1. major
  2. indicative
  3. influential
  4. considerable
  5. suggestive
  6. important
  7. reflective
  8. powerful
Adjective
  • Yaks breed notoriously slowly, with females birthing just four or five offspring in their lifetime – a major challenge for their long-term survival.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The district, established in 1992, well after the Voting Rights Act, to help ensure Black voting power, is in the process of a major transition of leadership as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson winds down her final term.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • The artist and computer scientist Judith Donath said that the trend is indicative of people only engaging with the half of their technology that is immediately appealing and apparent.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Many people had no idea OpenAI was considering bringing ads to ChatGPT, so the punchline landed flat—perhaps indicative of the wider cultural disconnect between Silicon Valley and everyone else.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of indicative
Adjective
  • In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Vinod is now widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators and investors in Silicon Valley.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • Her new position at the scene’s forefront came with considerable expectations, and her occasionally dazzling debut, Silence Is Loud, felt the weight of those demands.
    — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Skattebo’s recovery has therefore commanded considerable attention.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Philip Marlowe as Chandler’s private eye is a smooth talking, whiskey-drinking character who tosses suggestive suggestions and 38 revolvers around with equal aplomb.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • Rumors are intensifying about WWE star Bayley's potential departure, fueled by her recent loss to Lyra Valkyria and Lyra's suggestive comments about running Bayley out.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of suggestive
Adjective
  • Other issues important to him are allocating more money for the state’s infrastructure and funding for schools, according to his campaign website.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • But the details are important, and the realization that not everything may be working efficiently or correctly.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Silbiger’s portfolio is a reflective combination of classic American motifs like Saguaro cacti and herds of bison, and odd roadside attractions like the inflatable Maine lobster.
    — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The students get permission from the schools to draw on the blackboards in advance, reflective of Japan’s conformist orderly culture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of reflective
Adjective
  • While Maduro and Flores have awaited trial in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, their home country has been grappling with a humanitarian disaster following a pair of powerful back-to-back earthquakes in June, killing at least 5,278 people.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Self-Monitoring May Improve Weight Management Weighing daily can be a powerful tool for building awareness of trends and for adjusting habits to improve overall health.
    — Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
Definition of powerful

Phrases Containing significant

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significances
significant
significantly
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Cite this Entry

“Significant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significant. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of significant for Spanish Speakers

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