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 next

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 Though their opponent for the 2025 game has yet to be revealed, the significance of this occasion is clear. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 There are legitimate policy disagreements about NATO and the Ukraine war, but there shouldn’t be any doubt about the larger significance of Vladimir Putin’s challenge to the West’s interests, values and resolve. —

Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Centered around preserving and reframing natural materials, the collection honors the nostalgia and significance of the gingko tree across East Asian cultures and in Cheng’s own family growing up. —

Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 5 Feb. 2025 Jasmine Cockfield, project lead for Honda Battle of the Bands at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., highlighted the significance of this year’s event, calling it a historic first in bringing the energy, talent, and culture of HBCUs to the West Coast. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for significance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance

Noun

One in Spanish asked the Spanish Royal Academy for the meaning of a list of verbs including ‘to pressure’, ‘to intimidate’, ‘to coerce’ and ‘to influence’.

— Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more.

— Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025