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

For now, though, Lammens can go off on international duty able to reflect on the two significant saves he made.

From BBC

"The passenger, a man aged 19, had significant injuries," the force said.

From BBC

On the day that Michele Mulroney was elected president of the Writers Guild of America West, writers won a significant victory.

From Los Angeles Times

To that end, relocating fans in prime seats that can attract such a significant premium on what existed before was a no-brainer.

From BBC

Kildunne was a fan favourite throughout the World Cup and scored significant tries for England in both the semi-final win over France and final success against Canada.

From 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.