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Synonyms

meaningful

American  
[mee-ning-fuhl] / ˈmi nɪŋ fəl /

adjective

  1. full of meaning, significance, purpose, or value; purposeful; significant.

    a meaningful wink;

    a meaningful choice.


meaningful British  
/ ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl /

adjective

  1. having great meaning or validity

  2. eloquent, expressive

    a meaningful silence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say meaningful? Something that is meaningful, such as a meaningful wink or meaningful choice, is full of meaning, purpose, or value. Do you know how meaningful differs from the synonyms expressive, significant, and suggestive? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

  • meaningfully adverb
  • meaningfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of meaningful

First recorded in 1850–55; meaning + -ful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the same time, the brain must connect this stored content with the surrounding context to create a meaningful memory.

From Science Daily

“Jennifer Garner being on board as an executive producer, after playing such a big part of what made the original special, is especially meaningful,” Haley continued.

From Los Angeles Times

Some remain skeptical that the partnership’s new direction will create any meaningful change.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This action represents the first step in a structured, community-driven process designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity and meaningful engagement,” the district said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Investors appeared to welcome the reports, but some questioned whether this truly represents a meaningful de-escalation to a conflict that has rattled global financial markets.

From MarketWatch