implication

play

noun im·pli·ca·tion \ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən\

Definition of implication

1a : the act of implicating (see implicate) : the state of being implicatedb : close connection; especially : an incriminating involvement
2a : the act of implying : the state of being impliedb (1) : a logical relation between two propositions that fails to hold only if the first is true and the second is false — see truth table table (2) : a logical relationship between two propositions in which if the first is true the second is true (3) : a statement exhibiting a relation of implication
3 : something implied: such asa : suggestionb : a possible significance the book has political implications

implicative

play \ˈim-plə-ˌkā-tiv, im-ˈpli-kə-\ adjective

implicatively

adverb

implicativeness

noun

See implication defined for English-language learners

See implication defined for kids

Examples of implication in a Sentence

… but whereas Updike and Roth work to establish connection and coherence in the face of time's chaos, DeLillo is an artist of diffusion and dispersal, of implication and missing information. —A. O. Scott, New York Times Book Review, 21 May 2006
… the power of ideas to transform the world is itself accelerating. Although people readily agree with this observation when simply stated, very few people truly appreciate its profound implications. —Ray Kurzweil, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005
… the astronomer Edwin Hubble found that the universe is expanding, and by implication must have originated a finite time ago in an explosion popularly called the big bang. —Paul Davies, The New Physics, 1989
I'm offended by his implication that women can't be good at mathematics.
He condemned the court and, by implication, the entire legal system.
He was shocked by the implication of his partner in the theft.

Recent Examples of implication from the Web

By implication, that would include all races as well.

— the washington post, AL.com, "A police car damaged an Alabama Confederate monument and reopened a town's painful wounds," 20 July 2017
But others say that baboon behavior may have no implications for humans.

— michael price, Science | AAAS, "Are some primates wired for sexual harassment?," 6 July 2017
The decision has far-reaching implications, not least setting a path that other Western energy companies could soon follow, and possibly giving Total an inside track for future contracts in Iran.

— stanley reed, New York Times, "Total Signs Deal With Iran, Exposing It to Big Risks and Rewards," 3 July 2017
The findings also have implications for people suffering from another breathing problem, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the Air Louisville researchers said.

— james bruggers, The Courier-Journal, "Hey, there's an app for that: Asthma attack risk covers much of Louisville," 28 June 2017
There was also an implication earlier this season that this evil version of Phillip wants custody of BOB once Evil Cooper is done with him.

— vanityfair.com, "Twin Peaks: Trying to Make Sense of the Show’s Most Bonkers Episode," 26 June 2017
The decision has widespread implications on states and public funds going towards religious groups.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Supreme Court rules churches eligible for public funds; how justices voted," 26 June 2017
While the economic implications of the travel ban are unclear, its most immediate impact could come this fall on the football field.

— leada gore, AL.com, "California bans travel to Alabama, 7 other states: Crimson Tide game vs. Fresno State in question," 23 June 2017
This has an intriguing implication for our closest star, the sun.

— erin blakemore, Smithsonian, "Our Sun Probably Grew Up With a Sibling," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'implication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of implication

see implicate

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

IMPLICATION Defined for English Language Learners

implication

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noun

Definition of implication for English Language Learners

: a possible future effect or result
: something that is suggested without being said directly : something that is implied
: the fact or state of being involved in or connected to something (such as a crime) : the fact or state of being implicated in something

IMPLICATION Defined for Kids

implication

play

noun im·pli·ca·tion \ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən\

Definition of implication for Students

1 : the fact or state of being involved in or connected to something
2 : a possible future effect or result Consider the implications of your actions.
3 : something that is suggested Your implication is unfair.