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

Gisele has also drawn significant interest in Europe and now that her sister and roommate has left Angel City, she has even more reason to leave.

From Los Angeles Times

The new report also included a revision that showed a significant loss of jobs in June.

From Salon

McVay was asked if he thought that the Rams’ preseason approach — he does not play starters and other significant contributors in preseason games — affected those starts.

From Los Angeles Times

"His family have had to endure repeated investigation and examination of his body and a significant delay to putting their loved one to rest," she added.

From BBC

I must also consider the significant toll that the ongoing pressure of the media is taking on my family.

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.