connotation

noun

Definition of connotationnext
as in implication
an idea or quality that is suggested by a word or thing a word with positive connotations The word "childlike" has connotations of innocence.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of connotation The way words are perceived can change too, with connotations morphing from negative to positive. — Kirk McClure, Fortune, 14 July 2026 The Benefits of Downsizing Your Home and Belongings Downsizing doesn’t have to carry a negative connotation. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026 Just keep in mind that upside-down pineapples have certain connotations (IYKYK). — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026 Richmond Richmond may not have the immediate colonial connotations of some of the other cities in Virginia, but one of the most significant speeches of the Revolutionary era happened right in downtown Richmond. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for connotation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotation
  1. implication
  2. sense
  3. meaning
  4. hint
  5. indication
  6. definition
  7. suggestion
  8. message
Noun
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency launched its ATLAS initiative on August 26 to encourage dialogue and improve technical understanding of innovative nuclear applications and their safety and regulatory implications.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The genius of work divided loses none of its luster when the Chinese are participating in the work, not to mention the peaceful implications of market goods easily crossing borders.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • This reckoning between mother and son will forever change the meaning of their relationship.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Ever the writer, Parton managed to find some poetry and deeper meaning in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an I-65 rest stop.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • The cuisine was also noteworthy, a generous choice of cocktails, wines, and cuisine with hints of contemporary English inspiration, while avoiding being British stodgy.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Warsh is unlikely to reveal his approach before the task forces report but at Jackson Hole the whole world will be looking for hints regarding his plans to reshape the Fed.
    — Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • But if this week is any indication, Wall Street may finally be coming back around to Benioff's side.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If the season-two premiere is any indication, the series is primed to capitalize on that potential this year.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • Gates brushed aside the idea that his suggestions might draw pushback from the accelerationist voices in the tech industry.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mixed response Gates made the same suggestion nearly a decade ago and was subject to robust criticism at the time.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And will teenagers simply migrate to other platforms outside the settlement’s reach, or into the direct messages the agreement itself exempts?
    — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of message

Browse Nearby Words

connoisseurs
connotation
connotations
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Cite this Entry

“Connotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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