SIGNIFICANT OTHER Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

significant other

noun

Definition of significant other

as in partner

the person to whom another is married she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling

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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 other John’s wife, Tina, and their three children and significant others are scheduled to attend Friday night’s Yankees-Mets game in the Bronx. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Does his significant other and babymama Isabel Haugseng Johansen constantly have to remind him to toss the underwear and socks in the laundry hamper as opposed to on the floor? — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Despite this, the couple divorced their significant others and married each other in November 2017. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Reportedly, their respective significant others unfollowed each other, and Bailey and Pankow unfollowed the other’s partner as well. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant other

Recent Examples of Synonyms for significant other

Noun

The question confronting Israel and its international partners is not simply whether money should flow into Gaza, but also who controls it—and whether the next arrangement will avoid the failures of the last.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
In the middle of one of those summer heatwaves this year, Kember was in the promotional cycle for a record with his new partner of 15 years, Panda Bear.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of partner

Noun

These women — cradle Catholics and converts, former nuns, teachers, hospice chaplains, counselors, spouses, mothers, grandmothers — say their defiance is the fulfillment of a vocation, no different than the call answered by their male counterparts.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
If either of us wanted to get married, the spouse-to-be would have to sign a form promising to (1) recite the Elephant Care Vow daily, and (2) live at the Clinic forever.

— George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of spouse

Noun

Actors from hit shows such as The Pitt, Shrinking, The Bear, Pluribus took the opportunity to dress to nines and head for a fun night out with their better halves by their side.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
Pierce is also grateful to Raising Kanan creator/showrunner Sascha Penn for being able to work alongside his real-life better half.

— Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026

Definition of better half

Noun

Jared Kushner, husband to Trump’s oldest daughter, has helped lead diplomatic negotiations in Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza, alongside senior officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
My husband’s family grew up vacationing in Morehead City, and El’s has been part of their story for decades.

— Abby Price, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of husband

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significantly

significant other

significant others

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“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significant%20other. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of significant other

noun

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