connote

verb

con·​note kə-ˈnōt How to pronounce connote (audio)
kä-
connoted; connoting

transitive verb

1
a
: to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning
all the misery that poverty connotes
For her, the word "family" connotes love and comfort.
b
: to imply as a logical connotation
2
: to be associated with or inseparable from as a consequence or concomitant
the remorse so often connoted by guilt

Example Sentences

The word “childlike” connotes innocence. For her, the word “family” connotes love and comfort.
Recent Examples on the Web The idea connoted incontinence, incoherence, incapacity to exercise collective agency. Robert Hockett, Forbes, 7 May 2023 Kareem is a word connoting generosity and giving. Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023 Equanimity connotes a state of deep mental and emotional balance, especially under duress. Michael Ames, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2023 The little chestnut-and-white spaniel connotes Eleonora’s loyalty or fidelity. Mary C. Sauer, WSJ, 10 Mar. 2023 The music definitely connotes a sort of dorky, cute laboratory kind of vibe. Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2023 The former identity connotes swaggering strength; the latter, to many, delicate weakness. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2023 Zero trust security connotes the idea of always authenticating and verifying every access in order to secure around a more flexible perimeter. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Nov. 2022 Strategic dialogues for sharing perspectives on foreign policy hotspots throughout the world, with no scripted talking points, also are invaluable for exploring areas of convergence and divergence; these strategic dialogues also connote respect, which is highly valued by China. Time, 17 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'connote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin connotare, from Latin com- + notare to note

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of connote was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near connote

Cite this Entry

“Connote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connote. Accessed 27 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

connote

verb
con·​note kə-ˈnōt How to pronounce connote (audio)
kä-
connoted; connoting
: to suggest in addition to the exact meaning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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