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

Fields ranging from robotics to medicine to political science are attempting to train AI systems to make meaningful decisions of all kinds.

From Science Daily

Now, they’re vibrant spaces where art, culture and commerce intersect, offering everything from exclusive artist collaborations to playful, meaningful gifts tied to the museum’s exhibitions.

From Los Angeles Times

McVay spoke often about wanting to become a father, but actually becoming one “transformed” him in meaningful ways, amplifying qualities he already possessed, Veronika said.

From Los Angeles Times

The spokesperson said in a statement that the incident was under investigation but noted that teachers are encouraged to “use real-life issues, like the recent elections, to have meaningful and age-appropriate classroom discussions with students.”

From Los Angeles Times

Such projects require that tenants play a meaningful role in running their properties, encourage tenant ownership and include covenants that keep buildings permanently affordable.

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.