Synonym Chooser

How does the noun significance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of significance are consequence, importance, moment, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

When is consequence a more appropriate choice than significance?

The words consequence and significance can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

In what contexts can importance take the place of significance?

The words importance and significance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When would moment be a good substitute for significance?

The meanings of moment and significance largely overlap; however, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

Where would weight be a reasonable alternative to significance?

In some situations, the words weight and significance are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of significance Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle highlighted the mansion's historical significance of the loss in a statement posted on Facebook. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 16 May 2025 Since then, sky lanterns have taken on a more ceremonial and celebratory significance, marking occasions such as the end of Chinese New Year and the coming of spring. Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 In Saudi Arabia, Inking Billions In Deals iOS 18.5—Apple Just Gave All iPhone Users 33 Reasons To Update Now For borrowers, this clarification has enormous real-world significance. Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park.
    Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • But for many, sadly too many, shelter carries other, more painful meanings: a marker of dislocation, of homes gone, of safety, memory, and love lost.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Given the importance of timely loc upkeep, clients may feel pressured to accept whatever slot is offered, even at unusual hours.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Nevertheless, the intersection of these two fields is growing in importance and deserves serious attention from business leaders, engineers and investors.
    Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • While questions over mentality will be assessed, players’ physical levels showed a marked improvement, offering a sense of vindication for the coaching staff.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Amazon | Steam | Official Website At this point, Elden Ring is well-known for its epic sense of scale, offering players dozens of hours of meticulous exploration, gradual character progression, and unforgiving enemy encounters that require deliberate care and strategy.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The ruling could bring relief to electronics vendors and retailers fearing the high import costs of Trump’s tariffs.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Economic Tensions In April, President Trump imposed a 17 percent tariff on certain Israeli imports, citing concerns about the cost of U.S. financial aid to Israel and the need to protect American industries.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Spotify is the older and more experimental of the two platforms, giving you many ways to find content.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Recent data underscores the magnitude of the challenge.
    Masha Sedova, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Flares of this magnitude are uncommon, the service added.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The intent from day one was to have no uncertainty in the dugout and to keep Maresca in place.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Region Matters Rosé can be made almost anywhere, but some growing regions produce it with more precision and intent.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • An unfortunate consequence of all the rumors and news is that many people are applying for Social Security benefits earlier than previously planned, according to The Wall Street Journal.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Outside that anonymous act, the job is to report the truth, whatever the likely consequences.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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