SIGNIFICANCE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

significance

noun

sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s

Definition of significance

as in meaning

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the significance of that word is much debated by biblical scholars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in importance

the quality or state of being important the political significance of the special commission's report

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 An assessment by the National Park Service said the memorial arch could disrupt the historical significance of dozens of nearby sites. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 The city claims its herds are direct descendants of the Yellowstone bison and contains vital genes and historic significance, particularly to Native American tribes. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Iranian officials have long downplayed the significance of military ties with Russia, or denied them. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026 But the spring 2027 ready-to-wear Chanel show had extra significance for the actress, coming on the eve of her first anniversary as an official ambassador for the French luxury fashion house. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for significance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance

Noun

Old-school luxury takes on new meaning since the refurbishing and renovations that took place here in 2016.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of meaning

Noun

The project highlights the growing importance of the defence industrial base in determining how quickly military modernization programmes can deliver results.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Qatar has been building an international energy portfolio for more than a decade, and those assets are taking on more importance as the country’s exports have dwindled during the Iran war.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Still The Hairy Ape is, in one sense, a long, furious solo — a man pounding his head against a piano while accompanied by the orchestra — and Beavers ably carries its weight through to the finale.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

Chinese EVs face only a 10% standard import duty in Britain, one of the largest major overseas markets without additional China-specific tariffs.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
But should the trade deficit close and exports outnumber imports, foreign investment would also taper, Hassan suggested.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of import

Noun

Over the last two years, no Spanish company has helped drive Spanish content onto the world stage more than Movistar Plus, the biggest Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Her content often addresses wardrobe pivots, thrifting and managing dynamic sizing.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

After Tesla’s deliveries report on Friday, analysts at Cantor emphasized the magnitude of the opportunity.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
That hasn’t made investment any less attractive, as sports teams have tended to regularly outperform the stock market by several degrees of magnitude.

— Alex Volonte, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of magnitude

Noun

Miriam De La Rosa, 42, is facing three counts of animal cruelty with intent to kill or injure, court records show.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The intent is to defer capital gains taxes — which remains a legitimate strategy, but with additional qualifications, according to new guidance from tax authorities.

— Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of intent

Noun

The series reveals how the actions of a few would trigger seismic, long-lasting and deadly consequences.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Regarding the impact of Craven’s words, particularly on the issue of responsibility, one wonders what the journalist—or the editor—thinks are the consequences of the position, taken to a logical conclusion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of consequence

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Style

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of significance

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