significant

[sig-nif-i-kuhnt]

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.

noun

1. something significant; a sign.

significant

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of significant¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of significant¹

C16: from Latin significāre to _signify

Example Sentences

“I don’t think so, not without some significant changes” that boost the number of marine-academy graduates and improve industry job retention, he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On Saturday, Easyjet said it had completed the update on a "significant number" of its aircrafts, and plan to operate as normal.

Read more on BBC

People invest significant time and effort into keeping their skin looking young through masks, creams and serums.

Read more on Science Daily

"They need sensitive communication, compassion that somebody understands what they're going through is a significant loss for them, even if there isn't a visible baby."

Read more on BBC

A report published last month by the Women and Equalities committee found that female entrepreneurs face significant disadvantages in accessing finances, investment networks and support systems.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.