meaningful

[ mee-ning-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of meaning, significance, purpose, or value; purposeful; significant:

   a meaningful wink;

   a meaningful choice.

meaningful

/ ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl /

adjective

1. having great meaning or validity
2. eloquent, expressive

   a meaningful silence

Derived Forms

• ˈmeaningfully, adverb
• ˈmeaningfulness, noun

Other Words From

• meaning·ful·ly adverb
• meaning·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of meaningful¹

First recorded in 1850–55; meaning + -ful

Example Sentences

So far, she has failed to use her control of the Port of L.A. to take meaningful steps to clean up dirty diesel emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

Crypto now faces a critical period to capitalize on its electoral momentum and secure meaningful regulatory reform, which will likely shape the future of digital assets in America.

From Salon

“Watching a kid play a younger version of you is an absolute trip, but I love getting to help my dad in this meaningful way on this project,” said Leo.

From Los Angeles Times

"The US needs to up its game in the region, because people would choose it if there was a meaningful alternative to China," he tells the BBC.

From BBC

“We all need to work together to get this giant agency to do the right thing and work with us in a more meaningful way so that we can have healthy ecosystems up here.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consequential
• essential
• important
• purposeful
• relevant
• serious
• substantial
• useful
• valid
• worthwhile

When To Use

What are other ways to say meaningful?

Something that is meaningful, such as a meaningful wink or meaningful choice, is full of meaning, purpose, or value. Do you know how meaningful differs from the synonyms expressive, significant, and suggestive? Find out on Thesaurus.com.