A strong significantly synonym tells readers how big a change was: considerably, substantially, greatly and markedly all mean by a large amount, while notably works when the word opens a sentence to flag a key point.
One warning comes first. In research papers, significantly often means statistically significant, a specific test result. In that case, another word for significantly can change your claim, so read the science note below before you swap.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
considerably, substantially, greatly, markedlyPart of speech
AdverbStrongest
dramatically, vastlyMost formal
appreciably, materially, markedlyMost casual
a lot, way (as in way better)Antonyms
slightly, marginally, barelyWatch out
In a study, do not swap significantly for greatly. A statistically significant change can still be small.
Every significantly synonym by sense
| Use | Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A big change in amount | considerably, substantially, greatly | Rents rose considerably in the city. |
| A clear, visible change | markedly, noticeably | Her writing improved markedly. |
| A sentence opener | notably, importantly, tellingly | Tellingly, nobody objected. |
| A deep effect | profoundly, fundamentally | The move profoundly changed his outlook. |
| A look with meaning | knowingly, pointedly | She glanced pointedly at the clock. |
Ranking the strength
The chip strip climbs in five steps. Appreciably means enough to be measured but not huge. Noticeably means people can see it. Considerably is a solid middle that fits most reports. Substantially suggests a large share or amount, often in money or data. Dramatically is the top and carries a sense of speed or surprise: sales fell dramatically after the recall.
Also useful: sharply for quick rises and falls in graphs, and vastly for comparisons (vastly better). For casual speech, a lot and way do the same job.
A note for science and statistics
In a lab report or survey, "the groups differed significantly" usually means a statistical test showed the difference was unlikely to be chance. A reliable gap and a big gap are two separate claims. If you rewrite it as "differed greatly," you claim size, not reliability. Keep the original term, or write differed in a statistically significant way. To report magnitude as well, add a separate word: a small but statistically significant drop. More academic wording lives in essay and academic words.
Rewriting significantly in coursework and reports
- Prices increased significantly becomes prices increased sharply.
- The new law significantly affected farmers becomes the new law had a marked effect on farmers.
- Her grades improved significantly becomes her grades improved considerably.
- Significantly, the report ignored rural schools becomes notably, the report ignored rural schools.
- This is significantly better becomes this is far better or this is much better in speech.
Report draft: "Costs rose significantly and staff turnover also rose significantly." Varied: "Costs rose substantially, and staff turnover climbed sharply." The second verb and adverb paint a picture instead of repeating a label.
Using it to open a sentence
When significantly starts a sentence, it works like a transition word: it tells the reader the next fact matters. Notably and importantly are the closest swaps. Tellingly hints that the fact reveals something hidden. Crucially is stronger and says the fact changes the outcome. For more openers, compare especially and particularly.
Tempting swaps that break the sentence
Very cannot replace significantly before a verb: you can say very good, but not "prices very rose." Extremely has the same problem. Importantly belongs in the opening slot of a clause, not as a measure of size, so "rents rose importantly" is wrong. Meaningfully means in a way that matters, which is close, but in business it often sounds like jargon.
Opposites of significantly
For a small change, use slightly, marginally or a little. Negligibly means so small it hardly counts. Barely stresses that the change almost did not happen.
- Profit rose marginally this quarter.
- The new layout barely changed load times.
The adjective form has its own page at significant synonyms.
Frequently asked questions
Which significantly synonym do writers reach for first?
Considerably and greatly are used most often. Considerably sounds slightly more formal, so it fits reports and essays.
Is substantially stronger than significantly?
Slightly, in most readers' ears. Substantially suggests a large amount or share, while significantly can simply mean noticeable.
Can I use dramatically instead of significantly?
Yes, when the change was large and fast. Dramatically can sound like exaggeration if the change was steady or modest.
How should I replace significantly in a research paper?
Only if it does not mean statistically significant. If it does, keep it. If it describes size, considerably or markedly are safe academic choices.
Which adverbs point the other way from significantly?
Slightly, marginally, negligibly and barely. Marginally is the most neutral for numbers.
My sentence begins with significantly. What else could open it?
Notably, importantly or tellingly. Pick tellingly when the fact quietly proves a point.