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 The beverage carries cultural significance — cows are revered — but has become a challenge for health officials in the country. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 The company also included the brand’s cultural significance and notable heritage. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Holding the event at night helps emphasize the 25th anniversary’s significance, said Jen Hyde, marketing and special events coordinator. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 For Venezuelans who had come to see Colombia as their principal refuge, however, the significance goes beyond another change in immigration enforcement. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 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

Thanks to my friends’ beloved babies and the perks of my job—which have included putting together a list of essential children’s books—I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reading with children.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Fame was of prime importance to the ancient Greeks, and Wilson is the rare classical scholar who has firsthand knowledge of a public life.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

India's Venezuelan crude imports have risen from zero in March to 383,000 barrels per day so far in August, according to Kpler data.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Between the import increase, the trade war with Canada and the actual war with Iran, White House policies are squeezing ranchers in the lead-up to what is sure to be a challenging fall season.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of import

Noun

As for Apple, Amazon and Sony, all three companies have strong technology businesses in addition to theatrical and streaming content, which may align nicely with Imax's tech-heavy business.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of significance

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