significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s How to pronounce significance (audio)
Synonyms of significancenext
1
a
: something that is conveyed as a meaning often obscurely or indirectly
b
: the quality of conveying or implying
2
a
: the quality of being important : moment
b
: the quality of being statistically significant

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for significance

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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

Examples of significance in a Sentence

The discovery has great significance to researchers. His age is of little significance. This building should be preserved because of its historical significance. Does the ceremony have any religious significance? Her work has a significance that will last beyond her lifetime. I failed to understand the significance of her remarks. Does the date March 16 have some special significance to you? People in ancient times assigned a particular significance to the number seven.
Recent Examples on the Web Staley highlighted the significance of having five Black women at the desk for the biggest games in college basketball history, emphasizing their contributions to the sport and their ability to elevate it to new heights. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024 So the significance of 14.2 million viewers—and Clark’s role in getting those eyeballs on screens—can’t be overstated. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024 As eclipse anticipation builds, individuals are really wracking their brains to contemplate the significance and possible effects of this celestial phenomenon. —The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024 This year’s SheBelieves Cup takes on added significance, as the teams prepare for the Paris Summer Olympics which begin in July. —Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024 What is the significance of the new quantum computer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute? —Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024 The union rep never asked if the workers wanted to join the union and didn’t explain the significance of the cards, Pedro said. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024 What Experts Think All three mental health professionals agree: The OP had every right to be upset, especially since the ring holds significance, but things could have been handled better. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024 Washington, a real estate investor said being able to visit the White House has deep personal significance. —Amber Ferguson, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'significance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of significance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing significance

Dictionary Entries Near significance

signific

significance

significance level

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significance. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

significance

noun
sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s How to pronounce significance (audio)
1
: meaning entry 1 sense 1
2
: the quality of being of notable worth or influence

More from Merriam-Webster on significance

Nglish: Translation of significance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of significance for Arabic Speakers

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