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 Mac’s Club Deuce stands alone in Miami’s infamous nightlife scene, not just for its age and historic significance but for its vibe. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 The investment significance, in my view, is that more of the foundational stack is becoming accessible. — John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Prosecutors characterized the account as a confession and said the fact that Davis was trying to gain leverage in an unrelated narcotics case didn’t diminish its significance. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 That a single unexplained event can carry so much statistical significance shows how incredibly sensitive the technology has become. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for significance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance

Noun

When a human accepts, rejects or overrides the agent, the organization can reconstruct why—not from a comment field that made sense to the person who wrote it, but from a structured record that holds its meaning after they're gone.

— Krupesh Bhat, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Below, learn more about Princess Margaret’s unique engagement ring, her relationship with Antony, and the personal meaning behind her granddaughter’s choice to wear the heirloom.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of meaning

Noun

New Zealand supplies more than half of China's dairy imports, a dominance built under a bilateral trade agreement since 2008, that later granted duty-free access for all its dairy products in 2024.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
An unexpected benefit of this process is that its solid carbon byproduct turned out to be graphite, a material used in batteries and electrodes that the US currently imports.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of import

Noun

Elektra was previously the editor-in-chief at Selfridges, looking after content and editorial, and has held senior roles at i-D and Vice.

— Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Most people assume that the only way to really appreciate a show is to immerse yourself in the hours and hours and hours of content and scour the comments of every Love Island cast member’s socials to figure out who’s following whom.

— Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

During the call, Kress clarified further that the magnitude of memory prices led Nvidia to reset expectations, given the higher prices expected next year, said Kress.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
The magnitude of all of Nvidia's financial commitments — from financing to strategic agreements to equity investments — has had Wall Street on edge.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnitude

Noun

My instinct was to try to answer it with rigorous, careful science — and, of course, report from the ground, learning from the people who were living through the consequences.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
There are also unfounded theories about its consequences, which Doricko has spent time on social media trying to debunk.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of consequence

Cite this Entry

Style

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of significance

noun

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