significant other

noun

Synonyms of significant othernext
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

Examples of significant other in a Sentence

Before you make such an important decision, you should talk it over with your significant other. she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling
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.
The order bars William Applegate, 31, from contacting the singer, her sister Sarah Carpenter and her sister's significant other George Smith, who both live with her, for five years. Andrea Dresdale, ABC News, 18 June 2026 Half the people here are writing for and/or directing their significant other. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026 My significant other of 16 years is fighting cancer. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 14 June 2026 One poster on the wedding site The Knot advised inviting someone along with a significant other together on one invitation. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for significant other

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

significant other

noun
significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər How to pronounce significant other (audio)
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship
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