The phrase "meant something" can be substituted with a wide variety of synonyms that convey similar meaning. Some possible alternatives include "held significance," "had weight," "carried import," "bore meaning," "had resonance," "carried weight," "conveyed importance," and "possessed value." These words all suggest that a particular thing or concept was important or meaningful in some way, and may be useful when describing the impact of a particular event, idea, or object. Choosing the right synonym for "meant something" may depend on the specific context in which it is being used, as well as the tone and style of the writing.