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 In a clip shared with PEOPLE exclusively, Richard talks about bringing Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life and the significance of the character and his candor. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Trump sees Greenland as a place of major strategic significance to the U.S. because of its resources and position in the Arctic, where China and Russia are active. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 Apple's Long-Term Positioning Against this backdrop, Apple’s investment takes on strategic significance. Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 The lack of upper-level depth in the Padres’ farm system should place additional significance on their various position battles. Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • With a fervor that is another aspect of his ongoing meaning to the franchise — a legendary work ethic that remains the model.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
  • But like many cold cases, as with Barbara Newhall Follett, the meaning can only be realized in fiction.
    Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Still, the Europeans underlined the importance of the moment.
    TIME, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • During her acceptance speech, Cheyenne Woods emphasized the importance of being a player of African descent in professional golf and didn't forget to reference her illustrious uncle.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the Mac Studio has been around for a few years now, and Apple likely has a better sense of how the Max-versus-Ultra sales break down.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025
  • None offer the sense of exclusivity found at The Estates.
    Paula Conway, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a Wednesday interview with Bloomberg Television, Lutnick said that Trump would update his tariff plans with an afternoon announcement, possibly sparing sectors such as autos from the import taxes.
    Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Canada swiftly announced a series of tariffs on U.S. imports in retaliation.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Having been with Lionsgate for 25 years, Beggs spearheaded the growth of Lionsgate Television at the major studio to over $1.5 billion in annual revenues currently, while forging relationships with key Hollywood TV creatives and content buyers.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • On February 13, 2025, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near Avenal, approximately six miles north-northwest of the city.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The temblor was detected just hours after a 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck near North Hollywood, California.
    Alex Sundby, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • According to the notice of intent to sue filed by Baber, a student alleges she was repeatedly victimized by Moan.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That’s especially true as the DOGE budget-cutters rampaging through the Social Security Administration have stated their intent to cut the agency’s customer service budget, in part by closing field offices.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a way, Kelly is saying something even Democrats would agree with: elections have consequences.
    Ben Adler, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Often those predictions are loaded with a twist in their tail, leading to unintended consequences.
    Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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