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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in influential
having great power or influence
a producer who is playing a significant role in the creation of the new film
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Not to mention, as drone technology evolves, there has been a significant trickle-down of features and functionality to less expensive models.
—
James Abbott, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Adam Lippes, who is planning significant international retail expansion, has appointed fashion executive Alison Loehnis to its board of directors.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The energy savings are also significant.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Precious metals exports, by contrast, appear unaffected — a significant positive for South Africa’s trade balance.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for significant
James Abbott, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Adam Lippes, who is planning significant international retail expansion, has appointed fashion executive Alison Loehnis to its board of directors.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The energy savings are also significant.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Precious metals exports, by contrast, appear unaffected — a significant positive for South Africa’s trade balance.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for significant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significant
Adjective
-
While industry prizes are known for offering emerging labels a path to scale, Gassanoff’s mission is not to grow the next major luxury house, with hundreds of stores.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The exchange was the first major sign of progress in attempts by the United States and Jordan to broker a political settlement between the two sides.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Some would say these small margins are indicative of luck.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Fitch and Kroll are two of a small group of influential agencies that rate the city’s debt and creditworthiness.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Others are also highly influential, especially in the automotive industry.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Their considerable star power includes the Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, last season's league-leading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, and the Tkachuk brothers Matthew and Brady, wingers for the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators, respectively.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But Home Depot has built up a considerable presence in the professional home builder segment, and that comes into play as the rates come down.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Wasserman rode on Epstein’s plane and exchanged suggestive messages with Maxwell, the files the DOJ released show.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
More disturbingly, some MAGA cultural warriors claimed to be disgusted by Bad Bunny’s suggestive dancing and called for his censorship, harking back to the 1950s, when emerging superstar Elvis Presley was shot by TV cameras from the waist up during his appearance at the Ed Sullivan show.—
Ediberto Roman,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The gold-tone chain, pebbled finish, and stunning burgundy colorway will complement any outfit, while also keeping important belongings safe.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The battle pitted Ellison against Netflix, the industry’s biggest and most important player.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tom Bonds would once go to Empower Field and hear boos rain down from the Broncos’ own fanbase — boos Bonds couldn’t help but think were reflective of Paton, given his seat at the table.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Organizers noted the outdoor setting would make the space accessible and reflective for residents and visitors alike.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The military remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having solidified its dominance throughout the country’s history with coups and constitutional amendments.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But should the polls in the late spring still resemble those from mid-winter, powerful Democrats may pressure some of the candidates who have struggled to raise money or secure much support in the polls to drop out.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Significant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significant. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
