Synonyms of mean
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as in to signify
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as in to matter
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as in to intend
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as in to indicate
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as in cruel
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as in dirty
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as in low
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as in stingy
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as in inferior
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as in great
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as in dilapidated
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as in lame
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as in average
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as in middle
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as in doing
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as in ministry
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as in worth
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1
as in to signify
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
the national anthem means various things to various people
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Relevance
2
as in to matter
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
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3
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
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1
as in cruel
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery
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2
as in dirty
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
a mean trick to play on a trusting person
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3
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank
Alexander Hamilton seems to have had feelings of inferiority because of his mean origins
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4
as in stingy
giving or sharing as little as possible
a mean child who hoarded all her toys
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5
as in inferior
of little or less value or merit
it's no mean feat to memorize that long poem
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6
as in great
of the very best kind
I'm a mean dancer, so you could do worse than go to the prom with me
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7
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
he worked hard to escape the mean neighborhood of his youth
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8
as in lame
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
that was no mean stunt to pull off, especially with so little advance preparation
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as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
for the state of Florida, what is the mean number of sunny days per month?
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1
as in middle
a middle point between extremes
that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for
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2
as in doing
means plural
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
won the competition by fair and honest means
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3
as in ministry
means plural
something used to achieve an end
the ends don't justify the means
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4
as in worth
means plural
the total of one's money and property
a woman of considerable means
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of mean
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2026
This means retailers and brands have to sell to two buyers at the same time, agents and humans.
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Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
In fact, most parents have witnessed their child pick on, tease, or even be mean to another kid at least once.
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Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
22 June 2026
Jordana Rosenfeld,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 June 2026
None of these senior members of this genocidal regime are good guys, by any means.
—
CBS News,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mean
Verb
The latest sneak peak into the sequel for the Nineties cult classic is filled with magic — but that doesn’t mean the Owen sisters are always onboard, especially not Bullock’s Sally.
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Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2026
This means retailers and brands have to sell to two buyers at the same time, agents and humans.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Adjective
There was a strong positive correlation between maximum hunt speed and maximum flight height for the long-wing species, while maximum and mean flight speeds were negatively correlated with wing area for all five species studied.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
In fact, most parents have witnessed their child pick on, tease, or even be mean to another kid at least once.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
22 June 2026
Noun
She is portrayed as a morally correct foil to Dexter, seeking to bring serial killers to justice through lawful means.
—
Jordana Rosenfeld,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 June 2026
None of these senior members of this genocidal regime are good guys, by any means.
—
CBS News,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean
Verb
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The acquisition of Celifie not only signified a major addition to the 2027 class, but also marked the start of the Bruins keeping homegrown talent in Los Angeles.
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This evolution signifies that future success hinges on leaders who integrate health, not sacrifice it, for long-term effectiveness.
Verb
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Your curious mind sees possibilities, yet a course fee, trip idea, or upgrade may clash with your budget, so compare options patiently and decide what matters now.
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The game’s meaninglessness didn’t matter to the raucous sellout crowd that packed SoFi Stadium.
Verb
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Key to watch for will be how a new government intends to tackle Britain's debt burden and revive sluggish growth without driving borrowing costs even higher.
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While these drugs can be life-changing for many people, they are not always intended to be permanent.
Verb
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Though Kim stressed the new warship was a completely domestic product, Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the pace of shipbuilding could indicate otherwise.
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Nienhuis said Billy Mansfield previously indicated there could be more bodies in Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties, but investigators were unable to reach an agreement that would have provided additional information in exchange for reduced charges.
Adjective
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Swift moved on from one Brit to the next, quietly dating actor Joe Alwyn from 2017 to 2023, while the world spent back-to-back cruel summers without Taymerica.
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This is particularly gratifying given the absurd and cruel trolling the young actress received from the toxic corners of internet fandom leading up to the film’s release.
Adjective
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Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
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Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a man in a karate gi, disposable gloves, and dirty white sneakers was hauling a cart by means of a homemade yoke strapped across his shoulders.
Adjective
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Hien immediately fell to the ground and had to be helped off the pitch with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.
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Wenski’s remarks come as many in South Florida, the heart of the Haitian community in the country, are reeling after the justices reversed a lower court ruling upholding TPS protections for Haitians.
Adjective
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The article emphasizes that securing one's own financial future isn't selfish but essential to avoid becoming a future burden.
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Experts emphasize that self-care is not selfish.
Cite this Entry
“Mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mean. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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