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The beauty of language is that we have a rich palette of synonyms that can add nuance to our conversations and writings. Synonyms for “significant” bring their own shades of meaning, allowing us to express subtleties and emphasize different aspects of significance. Understanding these synonyms not only broadens our linguistic arsenal but also helps us articulate our thoughts more effectively.
Significant Synonyms
What Is “Significant”?
“Significant” is an adjective that describes something as having importance, value, or meaning. It often underscores the weight or impact of a given subject or entity. Whether referring to a major event or a subtle gesture, labeling something as significant indicates that it stands out owing to its considerable influence or profound meaning.
List of Synonyms for Significant
- Important
- Meaningful
- Noteworthy
- Substantial
- Major
- Considerable
- Momentous
- Influential
- Weighty
- Consequential
- Material
- Remarkable
- Prominent
- Outstanding
- Salient
- Pivotal
- Critical
- Vital
- Key
- Central
- Principal
- Essential
- Fundamental
- Paramount
- Telling
- Indicative
- Sizable
- Large
- Big
- Hefty
- Ample
- Extensive
- Impactful
- Heavy
- Profound
- Serious
- Monumental
- Historic
- Earth-shattering
- Groundbreaking
- Far-reaching
- High-priority
- Strategic
- Foremost
- Leading
- Eminent
- Preeminent
- Distinguished
- Notable
- Marked
- Pronounced
- Decisive
- Determinative
- Authoritative
- Imperative
- Urgent
- Compelling
- Persuasive
- Strong
- Powerful
- Potent
- Dominant
- Commanding
- Fateful
- Eventful
- Portentous
- Unmistakable
- Clear-cut
- Striking
- Bold
- Arresting
- Dramatic
- Sensational
- Stupendous
- Colossal
- Great
- Grand
- Imposing
- Massive
- Voluminous
- Broad
- Wide-ranging
- Sweeping
- Encompassing
- All-encompassing
- Comprehensive
- Thorough
- In-depth
- Exhaustive
- Complete
- Total
- All-embracing
- Overarching
- Global
- Universal
- Omnipresent
- Pervasive
- Ubiquitous
- Blanket
- Inclusive
- Holistic
- Integral
- Necessary
- Required
- Mandatory
- Compulsory
- Obligatory
- Binding
- Imperious
- Peremptory
- Insistent
- Pressing
- Immediate
- Burning
- Acute
- Intense
- Keen
- Sharp
- Vigorous
- Energetic
- Dynamic
- Robust
- Resounding
- Emphatic
- Forceful
Types of Synonyms for Significant
Synonyms Conveying Importance
- Critical: Essential, pivotal, decisive
- Noteworthy: Remarkable, notable, worthy of attention
- Momentous: Far-reaching, consequential, of great import
Synonyms Suggesting Weight or Seriousness
- Substantial: Considerable, ample, solid
- Weighty: Burdensome, heavy, profound
- Grave: Serious, somber, severe
Synonyms Indicating Meaningfulness
- Expressive: Revealing, suggestive, meaningful
- Eloquent: Articulate, expressive, well-spoken
- Telling: Informative, indicative, revealing
Common Synonyms for Significant
Significant vs. Important
- Significant often implies that something has a notable or measurable impact, consequence, or meaning.
- Important refers to something of great value, worth, or influence, often essential or of high priority.
Example Sentences:
- The study’s findings are significant and could lead to changes in treatment protocols.
- It’s important to vote in the upcoming election to have a say in the country’s future.
Significant vs. Relevant
- Significant suggests that something has a noticeable or considerable effect or importance.
- Relevant means that something is closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
Example Sentences:
- Her significant contribution to the project was recognized with an award.
- The lawyer presented all the relevant information to build a strong case.
Significant vs. Substantial
- Significant indicates importance, impact, or meaning, and can refer to both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
- Substantial emphasizes a considerable amount, size, or worth of something, often referring to quantity or degree.
Example Sentences:
- The research has yielded significant insights into the causes of the disease.
- They donated a substantial sum of money to the charity, making a real difference in its capabilities.
Significant vs. Major
- Significant can denote something that is meaningful or has consequences, without necessarily being the largest or most important.
- Major refers to something that is very large or important in size, amount, or degree, often being primary or leading.
Example Sentences:
- The significant decrease in pollution levels indicates that the new policies are working.
- A major earthquake hit the region, causing widespread damage and prompting international aid efforts.
Synonyms for Significant in Different Contexts
In Academic Writing
- Noteworthy: Our study’s findings were noteworthy, suggesting a strong link between diet and memory retention.
- Consequential: Her latest publication is particularly consequential for the field of quantum physics.
In Business and Marketing
- Impactful: Our new marketing strategy is designed to be impactful and capture a broad audience.
- Pivotal: The CEO’s decision was pivotal to the direction of the company.
In Everyday Conversation
- Meaningful: We had a meaningful conversation that deepened our understanding of each other.
- Telling: Her smile was telling; it showed how much she appreciated the gesture.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Significant
Absolute Synonyms for Significant
Here is a list of words that can be used interchangeably with “significant” without changing the meaning:
Synonym | Definition |
---|---|
Crucial | Of great importance or necessary for success or effectiveness. |
Paramount | More important than anything else; supreme. |
Pivotal | Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else. |
Vital | Absolutely necessary; essential. |
Fundamental | Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance. |
Essential | Absolutely necessary; extremely important. |
Key | Of paramount or crucial importance. |
Central | Of the greatest importance; principal or essential. |
Momentous | Of great importance or significance, especially in having a bearing on future events. |
Impactful | Having a major impact or effect. |
Material | Important; essential; relevant. |
Consequential | Having significant consequences; important. |
Substantial | Of considerable importance, size, or worth. |
Meaningful | Having a serious, important, or useful quality or purpose. |
Near Synonyms for Significant
Here we provide words that are similar to “significant” but might vary slightly in nuance or usage context:
Synonym | Definition |
---|---|
Noteworthy | Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable. |
Prominent | Important; famous or noticeable. |
Major | Very large or important, when compared to other things or people of a similar kind. |
Influential | Having great influence on someone or something. |
Weighty | Having great importance or significance. |
Considerable | Notably large in size, amount, or extent. |
Marked | Clearly noticeable; evident. |
Pronounced | Very noticeable or marked; conspicuous. |
Remarkable | Worthy of attention; striking. |
Outstanding | Exceptionally good or clearly noticeable. |
Salient | Most noticeable or important. |
Preeminent | Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way. |
Distinguished | Very successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect. |
Notable | Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable. |
Striking | Attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some alternative words for ‘significant’?
In our vocabulary, we can substitute ‘significant’ with words like ‘noteworthy,’ ‘meaningful,’ or ‘consequential’ to convey the idea of something that has a considerable influence or importance.
Can you list synonyms for ‘important’?
Certainly, ‘crucial,’ ‘vital,’ ‘essential,’ and ‘key’ are synonyms we use to express something that is of great importance or necessary.
What could be used as a synonym for ‘significance’?
When we talk about ‘significance,’ we are referring to the quality of being worthy of attention; ‘importance’ or ‘noteworthiness’ can be used as synonyms.
Which term is similar to ‘highly significant’?
To describe something that is ‘highly significant,’ we might use terms such as ‘pivotal,’ ‘critical,’ or ‘paramount,’ which suggest a higher level of importance.
What’s a more sophisticated term for ‘significant other’?
In referencing a ‘significant other,’ a more formal or sophisticated term we might use is ‘life partner’ or ‘companion.’
What would be a subtle synonym for ‘significant’ that suggests a smaller impact?
For a subtler implication, we could use ‘notable’ or ‘marked,’ which suggest a smaller but still noticeable level of impact.
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