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 At the time, Kennedy, who has a history of vaccine skepticism, appeared to downplay concerns about the significance of the outbreak. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025 Fitzgerald was eulogized in the St. Paul Dispatch by his friend James Gray, the newspaper’s literary and drama critic, who seemed to sense the book’s significance. Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 An Indiana Dunes tree trail is expected to debut soon with signs naming various native trees along the trail and pointing out their significance to the two tribes. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 Available in both high and low-tops, celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber have been spotted in Air Jordans, incorporating the iconic sneaker into their street style-friendly wardrobes, demonstrating the shoe’s lasting significance across multiple generations. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for significance
Noun
  • Every shape, every color seemed to have a secret meaning.
    Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Which has a whole different meaning now in L.A., especially what Mandy and Milo personally experienced.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Trump Doubles Down on Trade War, Threatening China With More Tariffs Rare earth’s importance The importance of rare earths has only increased over the years, due to the world’s reliance on ever-powerful computers and its search for cleaner energy.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In particular, holes 10, 11 and 13 are of strategic importance to all players because of the scores that have historically been achieved on each of them.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His sharp sense of storytelling and visionary approach to content has consistently set him apart as a true leader.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That has always been part of the Trumpist package of maybe not ideas in the sense of grand philosophies but certainly cultural ideas.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump announced a 90-day pause on countries that have not retaliated, temporarily lowering the high tariffs on nearly all trading partners to a baseline 10%, while raising the tax rate on imports from China, which had retaliated with tit-for-tat hikes on U.S. imports, to 125%.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This response comes after the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU in March.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Homeschool Act has garnered national media attention due to the magnitude of the ...
    James R. Mason, National Review, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The quake happened along the seismically active Calaveras Fault, which produced the magnitude 6.2 Morgan Hill quake in 1984 and the magnitude 5.9 Coyote Lake quake in 1979.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But community water fluoridation is done with the intent of optimizing fluoride concentration for the dental benefits.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
  • While the intent might be to keep the peace, the result is often emotional pressure — where neither person feels fully safe to be their whole, honest self.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The consequences are disproportionately worse for families experiencing poverty that often lack the resources to help children catch up.
    Beth Swanson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • For taxpayers who owe money, the consequences of a late filing can be costly, with steep monthly charges and daily interest accruals that quickly add up.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Significance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/significance. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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