reputation

noun

rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reputation (audio)
Synonyms of reputation
1
a
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
b
: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability
has the reputation of being clever
2
: a place in public esteem or regard : good name
trying to protect his reputation
reputational
ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce reputation (audio)
adjective

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An esteemed word in English, reputation rose to fame during the 14th century and ultimately traces back to the Latin verb reputare, meaning "to take into consideration" or "to think over." Reputare is itself a coupling of the well-known "again" prefix re- and the verb putare, "to reckon." Renowned celebrities of the putare family are the verb repute ("to believe or consider"), the identical noun (synonymous with reputation), the adjectives reputable and reputed, and the adverb reputedly. Other putare cousins of notoriety include dispute, disreputable, imputation, and putative, along with their kin.

Synonyms of reputation

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Examples of reputation in a Sentence

He has earned a reputation as a first-class playwright. a teacher with a reputation for patience Poor customer service has ruined the company's reputation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dozens of companies have withdrawn over the past decades due to poor profits, an uncertain business outlook and concerns about harm to their reputations from making arms, especially lethal weapons. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Culture and History Crows and ravens have similarly eerie reputations as spooky harbingers of death or danger. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Tong’s valiant charge promises to yield returns in the longer term, but CT leadership must do more now to restore Connecticut’s reputation and status as a haven for all families. — Dr. Sj Job, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 But countries are likely to be cautious about any partnership involving the Africa Corps, mainly because of its reputation for human rights abuses, analysts say. — Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reputation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reputacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin reputation-, reputatio consideration, from reputare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reputation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reputation

Rhymes for reputation

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Browse Nearby Words

reputably
reputation
reputative
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Cite this Entry

“Reputation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reputation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reputation

noun
rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌrep-yə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reputation (audio)
1
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
a car with a good reputation
2
: notice by other people of some quality or ability
has the reputation of being a good tennis player
3
: a place in public regard : good name
trying to protect his reputation

Legal Definition

reputation

noun
rep·​u·​ta·​tion
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general within a community see also character evidence at evidence, reputation testimony at testimony
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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