ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Significant: Meaning, Synonyms, Examples & Better Words

/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ · adjective

Meaning

important or large enough to be noticed or to have an effect.

Definitions by Sense

Having a noticeable or important effect.
Large enough in amount or degree to deserve attention.
Expressing a meaning, idea, or message.

Example Sentences

The research produced a significant improvement in accuracy.

There is a significant difference between the two approaches.

Her support played a significant role in the project's success.

Synonyms for significant

Antonyms for significant

Related Words

Word Forms

significance (noun)
significantly (adverb)

Better Words for Significant

Stronger

material

Usage Notes

Significant often emphasizes a noticeable effect, measurable size, or importance supported by evidence. Important is broader and more direct.

Significant vs Important

Important is the broad everyday choice. Significant often points to a noticeable effect, meaningful result, or measurable difference.

Common Mistakes

Do not assume significant always means “very large.” It can also mean meaningful or important. In statistics, “significant” has a specialized technical meaning.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What does significant mean?

Significant means important or large enough to be noticed or to have an effect.

What is a synonym for significant?

Common synonyms include important, considerable, substantial, meaningful.

What is the opposite of significant?

Possible antonyms include insignificant, trivial, minor, negligible.

How do you use significant in a sentence?