meaningful

[mee-ning-fuhl]

adjective

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

   a meaningful wink;

   a meaningful choice.

meaningful

/ ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl /

adjective

1. having great meaning or validity

2. eloquent, expressive

   a meaningful silence

Other Word Forms

• meaningfully adverb
• meaningfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of meaningful¹

First recorded in 1850–55; meaning + -ful

Example Sentences

According to the researchers, this case demonstrates that even isolated artifacts, which are often challenging to interpret, can gain meaningful historical context through careful study.

Read more on Science Daily

Sunday’s talks had been “probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process since we have been involved,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Geneva.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Young people are realizing that our lives are going to be so much more meaningful if we have a family to share our success with from the start,” Brown said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sarwar told delegates he was determined to deliver "big, bold and meaningful change" if his party wins next May's Holyrood election.

Read more on BBC

Vinh expects more meaningful recovery in the industrial market next year as the cyclical semiconductor industry comes out of an inventory-destocking cycle.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• consequential 
• essential 
• important 
• purposeful 
• relevant 
• serious 
• substantial 
• useful 
• valid 
• worthwhile 

When To Use

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.