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.

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meaningful British  

/ ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl /

adjective

1. having great meaning or validity

2. eloquent, expressive

   a meaningful silence

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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

Explanation

Use the adjective meaningful to describe something that has a purpose, like a political rally for a cause you believe in strongly. You would probably say that your backpacking trip across Asia was meaningful, or worthwhile, but you might not describe three hours watching bad TV shows as meaningful. When something is important or significant, it is meaningful, or "full of meaning." Meaning itself comes from the word mean, which has its roots in the Old English mænan, "to signify, tell, or complain."

Example Sentences

Shelby County also impeded votes that were cast from translating into meaningful political power, especially at the local level.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

Over time, this has created meaningful age and experience gaps, with some players reaching their mid-20s by the time they are upperclassmen.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Research shows that just five minutes a day of these movements can lead to meaningful improvements in strength and overall health.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

"Over the long term, however, the potential could be more meaningful, especially if African countries are able to expand production, diversify exports, and move up the value chain," Schipke says.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

His firsthand perspective on the plight of people wrongfully convicted was deeply meaningful to students, who often seemed overwhelmed by Walter's testimony.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

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