denotation

noun

ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce denotation (audio)
Definition of denotationnext
1
as in moniker
a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known "soul" is the common denotation for that mysterious force within the human body that gives it life and yet is separate from it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in meaning
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action although most people exercise for fitness, the denotation of the term "fitness" varies from exerciser to exerciser

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 denotation The 7x2 and 9x4 designations are a denotation of the rockets' engine configurations. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed during the denotation on July 19 at Erbil Air Base. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Controlled denotations were conducted Sunday at the site to dispose of hazardous materials, the agency said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2025 How much control, at this point, the subcommittee can exert over emoji denotation and connotation isn’t clear. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 But the New Zealand Department of Conservation lists the reptiles as at risk — relict, a denotation reserved for species that declined to a small population but have since stabilized. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2024 Cleverly staging appearance as disappearance, connotation serves as denotation. — Jerrine Tan, Wired, 4 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denotation
  1. moniker
  2. meaning
  3. nomenclature
  4. sense
  5. name
  6. significance
  7. title
  8. content
Noun
  • At this early juncture, the O’Hare Flyer needs a Chicago train daddy, to borrow the moniker famously given to the British transit executive Andy Byford, who now is leading the overhaul of New York’s Penn Station.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike Pluto's naming, when the public suggested monikers for the new planet, the public didn't participate in the scientific process of its recategorization.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of moniker
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
  • Many women-forward organizations are rightfully changing their nomenclature and their audience to be inclusive of non-binary and trans women, because that’s a whole other subsection that is often more ignored.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Public-health officials coined a nonjudgmental nomenclature that persists to this day.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of nomenclature
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
  • The cops don’t entirely buy that their serial killer is a high-school student, even as Bret identifies Robert by name.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Under the map labeled with Strong's name, the northernmost part of the Central zone would be extended west to I-430.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Its closest showing came in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai submission ever to reach the 15-title shortlist.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of title
Noun
  • As for Apple, Amazon and Sony, all three companies have strong technology businesses in addition to theatrical and streaming content, which may align nicely with Imax's tech-heavy business.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of content

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on denotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about denotation

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