signified; signifying
Synonyms of signify

transitive verb

1
a
: to be a sign of : mean
b
: imply
2
: to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)

intransitive verb

1
: to have significance : matter
… it will not much signify what one wears …Jane Austen
2
: to engage in signifying

Did you know?

Signify basically means "to make a sign or signal". One of its synonyms is indicate; the index finger is the finger you point with, so to indicate is essentially to point to something. Significant means "important" and significance means "importance;" similarly, insignificant means "unimportant" and insignificance means "lack of importance".

Examples of signify in a Sentence

A check mark next to your name signifies that you have met all the requirements. The recent decline of the stock market does not necessarily signify the start of a recession. He gave her a diamond ring to signify his love. Whether he agrees or not does not signify.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While maximalist trends often signify that louder pieces are the only way to look fashion-forward, bold styles are ultimately fickle and harder to reinvent in new looks. Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026 This was chosen to signify that, according to Nike, Wembanyama is the NBA’s brightest rising star. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 31 July 2026 This new era signifies the Levine’s transition from a non-collecting to a collecting institution, bringing in artifacts including photographs and personal letters. Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 For many, the night signified more than the conclusion of an awards show. Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for signify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of signify was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

signified; signifying
1
2
: to show especially by a sign : make known
signified their agreement by nodding
3
: to have importance : matter
doesn't signify much what you wear

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