meaningful

comparative more meaningful · superlative most meaningful

1. Having meaning, significant.

   I think we made a meaningful contribution to this project today.

   3 more examples

   But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a spirited display by captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack.

   2012 June 9, Owen Phillips, “Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2025

   They viewed the power shift and diversity as a symbolic but meaningful rebuke of the Islamophobic rhetoric that was a central theme of then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign.

   2023 June 17, Tom Perkins, “‘A sense of betrayal’: liberal dismay as Muslim-led US city bans Pride flags”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 10 Aug 2023

   In setting out a broad-brush approach, the Arriva-owned operator doesn't make any specific requirements, but it says the replacement trains "must achieve a meaningful reduction in the exhaust emissions and exterior noise levels compared to Chiltern's existing DMUs".

   2023 August 23, Mel Holley, “Network News: ... while Chiltern Railways targets low-emissions stock”, in RAil, number 990, page 7

2. Full of implication; heavy with unstated meaning.

   "So you enjoyed yourself, did you," she said, with a meaningful smile.

   1 more example

   "This baby is the one that counts. I dare say Polly here wouldn't want any other, would you, Polly?" "This baby, this baby," said Polly. Wolcott gave Peter Horn a meaningful look. Horn interpreted it correctly. This baby or no more Polly ever again. This baby or Polly would be in a quiet room somewhere staring into space for the rest of her life.

   1948, Ray Bradbury, Tomorrow's Child