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
On-screen, Paimon is considered the god of Ellen's group, and in real life, the character has been written about for centuries, signified by the loopy symbol that shows up throughout the film, namely in Ellen's necklace.
—Erica Marrison, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
The growing number of Red and Orange List countries signifies a world becoming more divided and challenging to navigate, even for the most privileged travelers.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Long noodles signify longevity, chewy rice balls stuffed with sugary paste represent sweetness, and whole fish foreshadows abundance in the year ahead.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025
The agreement signifies a step toward reconciliation, while both countries seek to strengthen their alliance amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for signify 
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Erica Marrison, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
The growing number of Red and Orange List countries signifies a world becoming more divided and challenging to navigate, even for the most privileged travelers.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Long noodles signify longevity, chewy rice balls stuffed with sugary paste represent sweetness, and whole fish foreshadows abundance in the year ahead.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025
The agreement signifies a step toward reconciliation, while both countries seek to strengthen their alliance amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for signify
Dictionary Entries Near signify
Cite this Entry
“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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