signify
verb
sig·ni·fy
ˈsig-nə-ˌfī 
signified; signifying
2
: to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)
1
: to have significance : matter
it will not much signify what one wears—
Jane Austen
Jane Austen2
: 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
This commitment signifies a departure from traditional norms, a bold strategy aiming to redefine consumer expectations.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
However, tongue bleeding can also signify other conditions, including vitamin deficiency, infections, or cancer.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
John Cena’s shocking beatdown of Cody Rhodes may have been the major talking point out of WWE’s Elimination Chamber premium live event on Saturday night, but fans saw two returns as well signifying a rocky road to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next month.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
On Friday, much of the Midwest was under a red flag warning, which signifies that a combination of factors, such as low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation, has created a high risk for wildfires, the Western Fire Chiefs Association said.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for signify
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Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
However, tongue bleeding can also signify other conditions, including vitamin deficiency, infections, or cancer.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
John Cena’s shocking beatdown of Cody Rhodes may have been the major talking point out of WWE’s Elimination Chamber premium live event on Saturday night, but fans saw two returns as well signifying a rocky road to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next month.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
On Friday, much of the Midwest was under a red flag warning, which signifies that a combination of factors, such as low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation, has created a high risk for wildfires, the Western Fire Chiefs Association said.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for signify
Cite this Entry
“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
signify
verb
sig·ni·fy
ˈsig-nə-ˌfī
signified; signifying
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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