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significance

noun
sig·​nif·​i·​cance | \ sig-ˈni-fi-kÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce significance (audio) \

Definition of significance

1a : something that is conveyed as a meaning often obscurely or indirectly
b : the quality of conveying or implying
2a : the quality of being important : moment
b : the quality of being statistically significant
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about significance

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Choose the Right Synonym for significance

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone. a region with no cities of importance consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects. the style you choose is of little consequence moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence. a decision of great moment weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something. the argument carried no weight with the judge 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

Examples of significance in a Sentence

The discovery has great significance to researchers. His age is of little significance. This building should be preserved because of its historical significance. Does the ceremony have any religious significance? Her work has a significance that will last beyond her lifetime. I failed to understand the significance of her remarks. Does the date March 16 have some special significance to you? People in ancient times assigned a particular significance to the number seven.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 In multiple ways, the song holds deep significance. — Emily Yahr, Washington Post, "Why Taylor Swift’s collaboration with the Dixie Chicks is so significant," 26 Aug. 2019 Maybe the site held significance for groups with various religious beliefs, said Dr. Jarman. — Robin George Andrews, New York Times, "The Mystery of the Himalayas’ Skeleton Lake Just Got Weirder," 26 Aug. 2019 From existing head-to-heads that are contested each year to match-ups that hold historical significance, here are the top 10 rivalries in the history of college football. — Ross Dellenger, SI.com, "The Greatest Rivalries in College Football History," 12 Aug. 2019 What is the significance of a common ethnicity in producing a common culture or a sense of solidarity with other people? — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, "A Penn Law Professor Wants to Make America White Again," 23 Aug. 2019 The stewards of the college game clearly recognize the significance of the Gators and 'Canes squaring off on Week 0 of the 2019 college football season, even if most of the players on each side are in need of a history lesson. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida, Miami renew rivalry with a rich history mostly lost on current Gators, 'Canes," 22 Aug. 2019 The historical significance of the narrow gauge railroad is an important heritage. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Truly end gerrymandering (7/13/19)," 13 July 2019 While further investigation is needed to clearly identify the long-term significance of the rise of indycurious Wales, its initial results should not be ignored by May’s successor. — Gareth Evans, Quartz, "The UK’s next prime minister must urgently answer five constitutional questions," 28 June 2019 Recipients both demonstrated financial need and wrote an application essay about the significance of their Thai heritage. — Nina Agrawal, Los Angeles Times, "Thai American students, the pride of their community, awarded scholarships," 3 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'significance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of significance

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for significance

significance

noun
How to pronounce significance (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of significance

: the quality of being important : the quality of having notable worth or influence
: the meaning of something

See the full definition for significance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

significance

noun
sig·​nif·​i·​cance | \ sig-ˈni-fi-kÉ™ns How to pronounce significance (audio) \

Kids Definition of significance

1 : meaning sense 2 What is the significance of the ribbon she's wearing?
2 : importance It's a subject of some significance.

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More from Merriam-Webster on significance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for significance

Spanish Central: Translation of significance

Nglish: Translation of significance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of significance for Arabic Speakers

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