significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s 

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

• content
• denotation
• drift
• import
• intent
• intention
• meaning
• purport
• sense
• signification

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

Of significance is the breakdown by business size: Large: +120K; Medium: +81K, Small: -17K). —Robert Barone, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

And basketball carries a deep personal significance. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Dec. 2024

The Department of State elevated the significance of international religious freedom by holding the first minister-level gathering to advance religious freedom. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The movie’s twin aspects of witness and of point of view have a significance that extends beyond the drama and into cinematic history. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing significance

• level of significance
• significance level

Kids Definition

significance

noun

sig·​nif·​i·​cance sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s 

1

: meaning entry 1 sense 1

2

: the quality of being of notable worth or influence