significant

American  

[sig-nif-i-kuhnt] / sɪgˈnɪf ɪ kənt /

adjective

1. important and deserving of attention; of consequence.

   Their advice played a significant role in saving my marriage.

   Synonyms:

   weighty, momentous, consequential

2. relatively large in amount or quantity.

   a significant decrease in revenue.

3. having or expressing a meaning; indicative.

   a significant symbol of royalty.

4. having a special, secret, or disguised meaning; suggestive.

   a significant wink.

5. Statistics. of or relating to observations that are unlikely to occur by chance and that therefore indicate a systematic cause.

   Memory training produced a statistically significant improvement in group performance.

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noun

1. something significant; a sign.

significant British  

/ sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt /

adjective

1. having or expressing a meaning; indicative

2. having a covert or implied meaning; suggestive

3. important, notable, or momentous

4. statistics of or relating to a difference between a result derived from a hypothesis and its observed value that is too large to be attributed to chance and that therefore tends to refute the hypothesis

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Usage

What are other ways to say significant? The adjective significant describes things that are important, indicative of something, or suggestive of a hidden secret meaning. Do you know when to use significant, expressive, meaningful, and suggestive? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• nonsignificant adjective
• significantly adverb
• supersignificant adjective
• unsignificant adjective

Etymology

Origin of significant

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin significant- (stem of significāns ), present participle of the verb significāre “to indicate, denote”; signify, -ant

Example Sentences

Guyana has become a “significant contributor to growth” in global oil supplies in just a few short years, according to the Energy Information Administraton, thanks in large part to Exxon Mobil’s investments.

From MarketWatch

Frank’s Paddlesports Livery – The White River has been going through a significant cleanup in an effort to allow residents to enjoy its magnificence.

From Salon

She also said the government would implement "full and further sanctions" against Iran targeting finance, energy, transport, software and other significant industries.

From BBC

A critical incident has been declared at the NHS trust that runs Nottingham's two main hospitals, with patients experiencing "significant and unacceptable delays" across services.

From BBC

He told the BBC while the move was "a significant and pragmatic strategy" for Apple, it also marked a departure from its historic approach to development.

From BBC

Related Words

• big
• consequential
• considerable
• meaningful
• momentous
• notable
• noteworthy
• serious
• substantial
• vital