connotation

noun

Definition of connotationnext
as in implication
an idea or quality that is suggested by a word or thing a word with positive connotations The word "childlike" has connotations of innocence.

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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 connotation The designation carries a distinct, often personal connotation. — Klara Auerbach, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2026 Now legalized in numerous states, cannabis has seen its entire pop-culture connotation change in a relatively short period of time. — William Jones, USA Today, 16 July 2026 The way words are perceived can change too, with connotations morphing from negative to positive. — Kirk McClure, Fortune, 14 July 2026 The Benefits of Downsizing Your Home and Belongings Downsizing doesn’t have to carry a negative connotation. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for connotation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotation
  1. implication
  2. sense
  3. meaning
  4. hint
  5. indication
  6. definition
  7. suggestion
  8. message
Noun
  • The trial is being closely watched for its implications for other fatal high-speed crashes that don't involve drugs or alcohol.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That would mark a decisive break from the generally low and comparatively stable inflation environment that followed the global financial crisis — heralding wide-ranging implications for investors' portfolios.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • Bieber and Gausman are the two names on this list that make the most sense to bring back.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Karrahboooo’s flow, kind of like Veeze or Lucki, manages to feel both laid back and conversational and deeply and intricately rhythmic, an almost enchanting combination made more potent by Karrahbooo’s almost dance-leaning sense of melody.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Research-Grade Interviewing Beyond collecting responses, ascertain whether the system uses research-grade interviewing to probe for deeper meaning.
    — Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Producers who picked up trophies for that honor include Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Alex Timbers, and Sabrina Carpenter, meaning, yes, EGOT Watch is officially on for Sabrina.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • But the Italianate fountains at the entrance is your first hint that a resort wonderland awaits.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While there is no water vapor, JWST has picked up hints of solid particles of crystalline water-ice.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • The security company counted 5,400 sites beaconing to it, an indication of the reach and scope of that campaign.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • There is plenty of time to evaluate the team’s approach over the offseason, as there’s no indication Ohtani won’t be used as a two-way player next year.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • For the governor, comptroller and legislators, again, what is your definition of investing?
    — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026
  • For even bouncier curl definition, our editors love pairing the shampoo with the Curl Charisma Rice Amino & Shea Curl Defining Conditioner.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • While the suggestion may be good for domestic politics in the US, the crude is better suited for the specialized refineries of the US Gulf Coast.
    — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Other suggestions include Condoleezza Rice, the president of Jordan Brand and an NFL exec.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The public message from both now is that nothing has changed on that front.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Schwartz told Ars that Spirit should have gotten consent from workers before selling 80,000 email accounts, 100 million emails, 20 million SharePoint documents, and 500 million Teams messages.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of message

Browse Nearby Words

connoisseurs
connotation
connotations
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Cite this Entry

“Connotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotation. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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