1
as in sense
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action
the unmistakable meaning of the skier's upraised arms as he finished his spectacular run
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
the people have a right to know what the president's meaning is in getting the nation involved in this war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suggestive
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood)
gave me a meaning look after I said that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in denoting
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
the national anthem means various things to various people
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in weighing
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in planning
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in indicating
to serve as a sign or symptom of
these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of meaning
Ryan Brennan
april 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Linguists and etymologists say that, over time, a playful type of humor has sometimes watered down the word's meaning.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
However, the fingerprint of that photo is now completely new, meaning the hashing technology doesn’t recognize it as the same photo with just that one pixel difference.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Noun
That dual meaning gave it a strange universality.
—Ryan Brennan
april 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Linguists and etymologists say that, over time, a playful type of humor has sometimes watered down the word's meaning.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
To see you as a newborn child and then to look at you and to know that every step along the way, to witness that journey, is the most meaning aspect of my life.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Abel came on in relief in that game, meaning Saturday will mark his first start of the season.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
However, the fingerprint of that photo is now completely new, meaning the hashing technology doesn’t recognize it as the same photo with just that one pixel difference.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
Noun
-
Often, this is a useful guideline, and limits, in general, are very much the friend of the fiction writer, but there are certain stories that benefit from a sense of instability.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The vibe is certainly formal, but in the stylish sense of the word—don’t be afraid to make conversation with the friendly concierge or front desk staff.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What's new is using criminal prosecutors for partisan purposes -- and there's no quotes about that in the case.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
That is leading people to lean on their faith for meaning and purpose.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
According to a screenshot of the DMs in question, which TMZ obtained, the sender, who seemingly initiated the correspondence, sent a handful of suggestive messages to the Carpenter account.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
-
For now, however, the evidence remains suggestive rather than definitive.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Their jump wings had the tiny inlaid gold stars denoting combat jumps.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an airstrike launched at Israel, denoting their entry into the Iran war following weeks of holding out on attacks.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Jackson County Legislature is currently weighing an ordinance that would set a 120-day moratorium on any land use applications that propose building a data center in county limits.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The underground excavation machine, weighing around 500 tons, is designed to dig vertical shafts through solid rock at depths previously difficult to reach using conventional mining techniques.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
One of the men accused of planning a mass shooting at a Pontiac, Michigan, high school graduation last June learned his fate in court on Tuesday.—
Alysia Burgio,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Lively seems to be planning a dragon attack, as referenced in her lengthy statement released after Baldoni's recent court win.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
One skeleton estimated at 10,000–12,000 years old was surrounded by evidence of bonfires, possibly indicating funerary rituals involving light.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
His images show Kathrin standing in a dark blazer, flanked by security guards, next to a sign indicating that photography is forbidden.—
Simon Akam,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Parishioners said this Holy Week has extra significance with a Chicago native in Pope Leo XIV leading the Catholic church.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Her engaging novels feature memorable characters facing unique and complex circumstances, often against a backdrop of historical significance.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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