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 The city’s original buildings, which were built from 1800 to the early 1900s, were almost lost to developers until an architecture student from UT saw the town and led an effort to preserve the area’s historic significance in the 1970s. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025 Nearly a third of the nation’s Japanese American community lives in California, and this celebration, which began in 1968, holds deep cultural significance. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025 These styles have been co-opted in fashion shows and by non-Black influencers, often stripped of their cultural significance. Lyric Christian, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025 The job of attorney general is one of the most important in any administration, but it is viewed as having particular significance in Trump's second term because of his tumultuous relationship with the department in the past. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for significance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • These inner struggles have taken on a whole new meaning since last year.
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The sentiment, which went viral on TikTok, resonated with many users who considered a deeper meaning in Isabelle’s actions.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • What to Know During the visit, Kate served a breakfast of cereal and fruit to the kids and was told by staff about the importance of a nutritious diet.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Cabinet was meeting well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, a rare occurrence and a reflection of the moment’s importance.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But giving play-calling back to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka would raise a similar question: what sense does that make, other than using the guy who is already under contract rather than firing him, hiring somebody else and paying double?
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • And not much tension is built into the film before then — just a long list of odd incidents without any sense of rising action.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Related article Trump’s tariffs could raise car prices at dealerships — very quickly Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which provide parts to GM’s US plants, could badly disrupt the automaker’s supply chain and raise the cost of assembling cars and trucks.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Elon Musk’s Tesla and BMW AG have sued the European Union’s executive, adding to a flurry of cases by Chinese carmakers attacking tariffs peaking at 45% on imports of electric vehicles into the bloc.
    Peter Chapman, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The whistleblower and other anti-trafficking experts had also allegedly alerted Mastercard and Visa about unlawful content on OnlyFans in 2021 and 2022, the article said.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Premised on mistrust of governmental power, the First Amendment stands against attempts to disfavor certain subjects or viewpoints or to distinguish among different speakers, which may be a means to control content.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • An Africa that would leave our ancestors speechless, unable to comprehend the magnitude of our joy and freedom.
    Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In a game of that magnitude, Ferdinand’s point is more valid.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That's because of money and jobs flowing to red states, Trump's intent to scrap EPA rules, and Supreme Court decisions that look askance at sweeping regulations.
    Ben Geman, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Ramsey has been sentenced to serve eight years and six months at an institution for youth offenders, having pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Frequent impulse buys can have significant consequences.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Emergency services on the scene continue to work to eliminate the consequences.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near significance

Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on significance

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